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Bill To Allow Use Of Drones For Certain Purposes Proposed In New York

CORTLANDT, N.Y. -- State Sen. Senator Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) is introducing a bill that would allow the use of unmanned aircraft systems for both commercial and law enforcement use in New York State, with heavy restrictions.

State Sen. Greg Ball is introducing a bill that would allow the use of unmanned aircraft systems for specific purposes.

State Sen. Greg Ball is introducing a bill that would allow the use of unmanned aircraft systems for specific purposes.

Photo Credit: Greg Ball

The bill creates specific lawful uses for unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drones, including use in airspace designated as a Federal Aviation Administration test site and use in connection with a valid search warrant.

It would also prevent unmanned aircraft from being improperly used by creating two new crimes: the illegal use of an unmanned aircraft to capture images and the offense of possessing or distributing the image.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International issued a report in March 2013 that showed in the first three years of integration, unmanned aircraft systems, will create more than 70,000 jobs in the United States.

It is predicted that this benefit will grow to more than 100,000 jobs created by 2025.

The report goes on to say, “while we project more than 100,000 new jobs by 2025, states that create favorable regulatory and business environments for the industry and the technology will likely siphon jobs away from states that do not.”

Ball will also introduce a bill that is industry-friendly and aims to bring these new jobs to New York. He plans to include regulations and restrictions in the bill to protect residents from unwarranted surveillance.

"While this technology presents vast benefits, we must ensure that we protect the public safety and privacy of our residents. Formulating the proper legislation and regulations now will be critical in protecting our rights and freedoms,” said Senator Ball in a statement.

New York was recently named by the FAA as one of the six states to develop a site to test unmanned aircraft at the Griffiss International Airport in Rome, New York.

 

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