H 4546
An Act relative to unmanned aerial systems
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Bill overview
This bill clarifies the legal framework surrounding the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in Massachusetts. It primarily prohibits municipalities from enacting their own drone regulations, aligning with federal guidelines, and establishes penalties for various violations, including operating drones with weapons, interfering with manned aircraft, and conducting surveillance without consent. The bill also addresses the retention of data collected by law enforcement using drones.
Key provisions
- Prohibits municipalities from enacting their own drone regulations, deferring to FAA and state laws.
- Establishes fines for operating drones in violation of FAA rules, including operating with weapons or interfering with manned aircraft.
- Outlaws equipping drones with weapons capable of causing serious harm.
- Requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance in most cases.
- Mandates the destruction of drone imagery and data collected by law enforcement within 120 days.
- Permits law enforcement use of drones for counter-terrorism efforts, pursuit, search and rescue, and crash scene documentation with appropriate warrants or reasonable suspicion.
- Defines key terms related to drones and unmanned aircraft systems.
- Specifies penalties for refusing to provide name and address to law enforcement during a drone violation.
Who is affected
- Drone operators
- Municipalities
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Transportation
Cosponsors
Brian W. Murray
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Bill H.4546 194th (Current)
An Act relative to unmanned aerial systems
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Transportation Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4546
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 10/2/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Transportation |
| 10/2/2025 | House | New draft of H3749 |
| 10/2/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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