HB1227: Unmanned aerial systems; local regulation.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1227

Offered January 8, 2020
Prefiled January 7, 2020
A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-926.3 of the Code of Virginia, relating to local regulation of unmanned aerial systems.
Patron-- LaRock

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 15.2-926.3 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 15.2-926.3. Local regulation of certain aircraft.

A. No political subdivision may regulate the use of a privately owned, unmanned aircraft system as defined in § 19.2-60.1 within its boundaries. A political subdivision may adopt reasonable time, place, and manner regulations regarding the takeoff and landing of unmanned aerial systems on property owned by the political subdivision, provided such regulations are narrowly tailored to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Regulation of takeoffs and landings adopted pursuant to this section shall be conspicuously posted.

B. Takeoff and landing regulations adopted by a political subdivision shall not apply to persons authorized by federal regulations to operate an unmanned aircraft system provided such system is operated in an otherwise lawful manner and consistent with federal regulations.

C. Nothing in this section shall permit a person to go or enter upon land owned by a political subdivision solely because he is in possession of an unmanned aircraft system if he would not otherwise be permitted entry upon such land.

D. A political subdivision shall annually report to the Department of Aviation any regulations adopted pursuant to this section. The Department of Aviation shall publish on its website, and update annually, a summary of any takeoff and landing regulations applicable on property owned by political subdivisions.