What does Preamble of S 1249 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To prescribe zoning authority with respect to commercial unmanned aircraft systems and to preserve State, local, and Tribal authorities and private property with respect to unmanned aircraft systems, and for other purposes,' aims to establish zoning authority regarding commercial unmanned aircraft systems. The bill intends to preserve the authorities of State, local, and Tribal governments concerning unmanned aircraft systems. It also seeks to protect private property rights related to unmanned aircraft systems.

What does SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. of S 1249 do?

This Act is formally titled the 'Drone Integration and Zoning Act'.

What does Preservation of State, local, and Tribal authorities with of S 1249 do?

This section addresses the preservation of authority for state, local, and tribal governments regarding civil unmanned aircraft systems.

What does Preservation of local zoning authority for unmanned aircraft of S 1249 do?

This section addresses the preservation of local zoning authority regarding unmanned aircraft take-off and landing zones.

What does Improvements to plan for full operational capability of of S 1249 do?

This section concerns improvements to the plan for achieving full operational capability of unmanned aircraft systems traffic management.

What does Updates to rules regarding small unmanned aircraft safety of S 1249 do?

This section addresses updates to rules concerning the safety standards for small unmanned aircraft.

What does DEFINITIONS. of S 1249 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Administrator” refers to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. “Civil” unmanned aircraft systems are those that are not public aircraft. A “commercial operator” is a person operating a civil unmanned aircraft system for commercial purposes. “Immediate reaches of airspace” are defined as any area within 200 feet above ground level. “Indian Tribe” has the meaning defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. “Local government” refers to the government of a subdivision of a State. “State” includes the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories and possessions. “Tribal government” means the governing body of an Indian Tribe. “Unmanned aircraft” and “unmanned aircraft system” are defined by section 44801 of title 49, United States Code. An “unmanned aircraft take-off and landing zone” is a structure, area, or designation for civil unmanned aircraft system take-off or landing by commercial operators.

What does FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION UPDATES TO NAVIGABLE AIRSPACE. of S 1249 do?

This section amends title 49 of the United States Code to define 'immediate reaches of airspace' as any area within 200 feet above ground level for civil unmanned aircraft systems. It clarifies that, when regulating civil unmanned aircraft systems, 'navigable airspace' does not include the area within the 'immediate reaches of airspace'. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to update the definition of 'navigable airspace'. The Administrator must consult with State, local, and Tribal government officials during this rulemaking. The Administrator must designate airspace between 200 and 400 feet above ground level for use by civil unmanned aircraft systems, with separate designations for exclusive FAA authority and for commercial/recreational use. The Administrator is required to issue a final rule within one year of the Act's enactment. The section clarifies that it does not prohibit regulations for unmanned aircraft systems above 400 feet and does not alter the FAA's preemptive authority over manned aviation.

What does PRESERVATION OF STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL AUTHORITIES WITH of S 1249 do?

This section addresses the balance between federal authority over navigable airspace and state/local/tribal authority to protect property rights related to civil unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). It establishes that landowners have exclusive control of the immediate reaches of airspace over their property. The Administrator is restricted from authorizing UAS operations within 50 feet of the top of structures exceeding 200 feet, or within 200 feet laterally or inside the property line, without owner permission. Physical contact of a UAS with a structure exceeding 200 feet is prohibited without permission. State, local, and tribal governments can issue reasonable time, manner, and place restrictions on UAS operations below 200 feet, which include limitations on speed, prohibitions near certain locations, and restrictions based on time or event. The Administrator must establish a process for designating authorized commercial routes within 18 months of enactment, with a 90-day timeframe for application review. The Administrator must consult with state, local, tribal governments, structure owners, and commercial operators when reviewing commercial route applications. Restrictions cannot create a significant safety hazard in the national airspace system. Property owners can pursue legal action under state law related to UAS operations above 200 feet.

What does PRESERVATION OF LOCAL ZONING AUTHORITY FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT of S 1249 do?

This section preserves the authority of state, local, and tribal governments over unmanned aircraft take-off and landing zones. Regulations regarding these zones cannot unreasonably discriminate among commercial operators or prohibit their operation. State, local, or tribal governments must act on complete applications for authorization within 60 days. If an application is denied, a written record detailing the reasons and recommendations must be provided within 30 days. Fees may be charged for application consideration or facility use, provided they are competitively neutral, technologically neutral, nondiscriminatory, and publicly disclosed. Governments can impose additional limitations or requirements beyond those specified in this section. Individuals adversely affected by inconsistent actions or failures to act can seek judicial review within 30 days. This section's provisions take effect 180 days after the final rule under section 3(d) is issued.

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Drone Integration and Zoning Act — S. 1249

Last updated: 4/2/2025 · Introduced: 4/2/2025

Author: Mike Lee (R-UT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes zoning authority for commercial unmanned aircraft systems (drones) while aiming to preserve state, local, and tribal government authority and protect private property rights.
It amends federal aviation regulations to define 'immediate reaches of airspace' as 200 feet above ground level and requires the FAA to update regulations and designate airspace for drone use.
Landowners have exclusive control of the airspace above their property within certain limits, and state, local, and tribal governments can impose reasonable restrictions on drone operations below 200 feet.
The bill streamlines the process for commercial operators to obtain state authorizations for intrastate drone operations and exempts small drone operators from certain federal regulations.
It allows state, local, or tribal governments to apply for 'complex airspace' designation for areas with tall structures, enabling them to manage drone operations within those areas.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title; table of contents., and 14 more.

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