Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 59 would allow private businesses to employ drones that capture images for the purpose of delivering consumer goods that were ordered, so long as the operator of the unmanned aircraft is authorized by the FAA to conduct operations within the airspace from which the image is captured. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

We support creating a legal framework to permit delivery of goods by drone, however we are concerned this bill may lead to negative unintended consequences for consumer privacy. We recommend legislators review definitions for the term "image" and consider adding language to restrict the scope of data which may be collected. Usage of data collected by delivery drones should also be significantly restricted. Some tightening up may be in order to fully protect consumer privacy while also allowing reasonable accommodations to permit drone delivery.

Due to these concerns we remain neutral on SB 59.