SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2304        FILED ON: 1/20/2023

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2308

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

John C. Velis

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act relative to unmanned aerial vehicles in the Commonwealth.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2304        FILED ON: 1/20/2023

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2308

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)

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An Act relative to unmanned aerial vehicles in the Commonwealth.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Chapter 90 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 official edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 63(a). As used in this section the following terms shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:-

“Drone,” shall mean an unmanned aircraft which is operated remotely without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. 

“Restricted space,” shall mean an airspace within five miles of an airport or as designated by general or special law. 

(b) During the personal use of such drone, except as otherwise provided by federal law operates a drone, a person shall not operate said drone: (i) more than four hundred feet above ground level; (ii) weighing more than ten pounds; (iii) without a visual line of sight of such drone; (iv) within a restricted airspace; (v) in a reckless manner wherein such operation creates a risk of harm to the public; or (vi) with the intent to harass or annoy an individual or individuals.