Bill: HB 1424, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Criminal Jurisprudence
2nd Chamber Committee
Senate Criminal Justice
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Jim Murphy
Sponsor(s)
Brian Birdwell
Bill Caption
Relating to the operation of an unmanned aircraft over certain
facilities or sports venues; creating a criminal offense.
Fiscal Notes
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, unauthorized personnel are prohibited from operating unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure. HB 1424 would also prohibit the unauthorized operation of unmanned aircraft over correctional or detention facilities. In addition, an offense would be instituted for operating an unmanned aircraft over a sports venue under 400 feet and without the approval of the government or the venue. Violations in both cases would be a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense, and a Class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.
Vote Recommendation Notes
While it is well within the role of government to protect the activities of correctional and detention facilities, and reasonable to impose Class A and B misdemeanor charges in the case of unauthorized drone operation over such facilities, we believe that imposing the same criminal charge in the case of unauthorized operation over a sports venue is excessive. We would be more comfortable with this bill if it were amended to lessen the criminal charge associated with operation over a sports venue. Ultimately, we remain neutral on HB 1424.
Organizations Supporting
Houston Astros
Houston Police Department
Texas Conference of Urban Counties
Texas Municipal League
Texas Municipal Police Association
Texas Rangers Baseball Club
Travis County Commissioners Court
