HB3171: Defines certain unlawful uses of drones and people who violates these prohibitions are deemed to be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Effects: Could make it difficult for regulatory agencies and investigators to use drones in investigating possible violation of regulations. The Sierra Club opposed this bill.
Outcome: Passed Senate 40-0; Passed House 69-15; Signed into Law May 16; Effective Date Nov. 1, 2022.
Okla. Stat, tit. 21, § 1743
A. No person using an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone, as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration, shall, except as authorized by law:
1. Trespass onto private property or into airspace within four hundred (400) feet above ground level with the intent to subject anyone to eavesdropping or other surveillance;
2. Install on private property, without the consent of the owner or lessee, any device for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or events on such property, or use any such unauthorized installation;
3. Intentionally use a drone to photograph, record, or otherwise observe another person in any place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy; or
4. Intentionally land a drone on the lands or waters that are the private property of another without the consent of the owner or lessee.
B. A person who violates this act is guilty of a misdemeanor. Paragraph 3 of subsection A of this section shall not apply to a drone operator operating a drone for a bona fide business or bona fide government purpose who unintentionally or incidentally photographs, records, or otherwise observes another person in a private place, nor shall it apply to a designated emergency management worker or government employee or contractor operating a drone within the scope of his or her lawful duties of employment. Paragraph 4 of subsection A of this section shall not apply to the landing of a drone required in the interest of safety or otherwise in an emergency such as to avoid collision with a person or property.