LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Unlawful Drone Use is a Criminal Offense & Not Within Municipalities’ Authority to Regulate by Local Ordinance

 

          On October 12, 2018, the Governor of Pennsylvania signed into law Act 78 of 2018 (former House Bill 1346) which will become effective January 10, 2019. As related to unmanned aircrafts, Act 78 makes it a criminal offense to intentionally or knowingly conduct surveillance of another person in a private place, operate in a manner which places another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury, or to deliver contraband to inmates. The Act also provides that a municipality shall not regulate the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft unless expressly authorized by statute, and provides that Act 78 preempts any local regulations. Thus, an unlawful use of unmanned aircrafts should be handled by law enforcement according to the regulations of state law. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Venzie at kvenzie@buckleyllp.com or at (610) 235-0238.