HB 3479
Requires commercial operators of unmanned aircraft systems to maintain liability insurance.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Oregon Department of Aviation)
Committee
Transportation
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
60%
Oppose
40%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires commercial drone operators in Oregon to maintain liability insurance. It also establishes a tax on these insurance premiums, with the revenue directed to the State Aviation Account to support an advanced air mobility program. The Department of Consumer and Business Services will administer the insurance requirements and tax collection, and the bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.
Key provisions
- Commercial drone operators must maintain liability insurance coverage.
- A tax will be imposed on unmanned aircraft systems insurance premiums.
- Revenue from the insurance tax will fund the State Aviation Account and an advanced air mobility program.
- The Department of Consumer and Business Services will oversee insurance requirements and tax collection.
- A civil penalty of up to $1,000 can be assessed for violations.
- ORS 731.292 is amended to address insurance tax revenue distribution.
- ORS 731.808 is amended to define ‘gross amount of premiums’ for insurance purposes.
- ORS 731.822 establishes a prepayment system for insurance taxes.
Who is affected
- Commercial drone operators
- Insurance companies
- The Department of Consumer and Business Services
- The Oregon Department of Aviation
- The State Treasury
Notable changes
- Introduces a new tax on unmanned aircraft systems insurance premiums.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee On Transportation
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3479 agree that mandating aviation-specific liability insurance for commercial drone operations in Oregon is crucial for enhancing public safety and promoting technological innovation. By requiring this insurance, proponents argue that it will increase accountability among drone operators, reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and encourage the growth of a safer and more responsible drone industry in the region. This measure is seen as a necessary step to balance the benefits of drone technology with the need for robust safety protocols, ultimately supporting the advancement of public safety and innovation in Oregon's commercial drone operations.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Several testifiers strongly oppose House Bill 3479, citing concerns that the bill's provisions may be preempted by federal law, as well as unequal treatment of private and public entities. They also argue that the embedded tax for a separate program is unfair and lacks transparency, while the vague enforcement mechanisms raise concerns about arbitrary actions. Furthermore, some worries that the bill's language could lead to inconsistent application, potentially favoring certain entities over others, and they emphasize the need for clearer definitions and more robust safeguards to prevent such outcomes.
Source: Testimony Summaries