Provides for interesting read. I think SAMSOG needs to get surveying added to this (i.e.) incedental to surveying as the sale of property clause reads.
Crimes and offenses; regulate use of unmanned aircraft systems and images; provisions
http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/779
Curiuos how much of this is in conflict with https://www.faa.gov/uas/regulations_policies/media/UAS_Fact_Sheet_Final.pdf
although this seems to mostly address cameras
From Ginger with SAMSOG:
Yes, our lobbyist and legislative committee is actively working with Rep. Kevin Tanner, 9th District on HB 779 Unmanned Aircraft Systems. SAMSOG representatives met with Rep. Tanner Tuesday, 1/26/16 regarding the importance of drone or UAS equipment to surveying. Rep. Tanner agreed to add surveying to his bill. If you have any additional questions, please contact Josh Lewis, III, our legislative chairman
I would definitely object to the legal definition of "image". Collection of sound waves and electromagnetic waves. Pretty dang nebulous. That would include any kind of radio wave.
Also, unable to recover from private property without consent of owner seems fine, but not being able to recover from public property sounds unreasonable.
I notice that mapping for the State or political subdivision is allowed.
The bill passed the Senate today by House Committee Substitue. It basically creates a UAS Commision. Encourages UAS manufacturers to locate in Georgia. Makes it illegal to take a drone off from private property without the owners permission. Makes it illegal for people to interupt a hunter with a UAS and also makes it illegal to use a drone to herd wildlife to you when hunting. It prempts counties and municipalities from passing UAS laws. Has some law enforcement you need a warrant stuff. It got rid of all the photography stuff and just says this is already on the books under the privacy laws. Overall from what I can read a good bill.
We tried to get surveyors added. I spoke directly with Kevin Tanner and they side stepped the issue. Finally they said they did not want to call any one profession out because it would open the door for every other profession to be included. They changed the bill to pacify us and added surveying as an adjective. I thought that was a good compromise. Then they changed the bill again, and again and againÛ? I lost count they changed the bill so many times. Then some negative press came out and they neutered it which was fine with me. At one point they had a provision that you had to have a 333 exemption in place before April 2016 or it was just illegal to do business with a drone. Our lobbyist Steve Neff got that taken out. Thanks Steve! Anyway I lost patience with it and here is what we have today. Basically you canÛªt duct tape a Glock to a drone, you canÛªt spy with it, and we have created a comity to study them. Go figure. I will keep surveying and flying around.
Josh 4
Governor Deal Vetoed the bill. Here is his statement:
Veto Number 8
HB 779 involves the use of unmanned aircraft technology or "drones" which raises a unique concern requiring careful research. I am appreciative of the author of HB 779, the House study committee, and the Georgia Technology Research Institute for their tireless work on this matter and for realizing the impact this aircraft has on the future of our state. I also understand the importance of continuing to study the use of drones and encourage our universities and technical colleges to offer classes and instruction on this new scientific technology and I encourage state agencies to utilize drone technology where it can provide cost savings and improve safety for GeorgiansÛÓall while following proper FAA regulations. However, I believe that Georgia should first allow the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to complete their efforts in creating federal rules and regulations for the use of drones. Signing this bill prior to the release of the FAA guidelines would create a layer of state regulation that may be vitiated by future FAA action and would also grow state government by creating a wholly new quasi-legislative body to produce future rules and regulations. Such layers of potentially inconsistent rules could create a climate contrary to what the business community, the science and technology community, and legislative leaders sought to create by drafting this legislation. In addition, I would urge local governments to refrain from enacting ordinances that would regulate drone activity until the FAA has acted as well. In the interim, I plan by executive order, to establish a commission to propose state-level guidelines until the new FAA regulations are released. For these reasons, I VETO HB 779.
http://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2016-05-03/deal-issues-2016-veto-statements
