Arkansas Bill Would Restrict Drones Over Private Land

Using a drone to fly above private property and take pictures without permission would be a crime under a bill filed in the Arkansas Legislature.

Republican Rep. Justin Harris’ proposal filed Thursday would make it a misdemeanor for a drone operator to have or distribute an unauthorized image. His bill exempts law enforcement and photos taken on public property.

Various states and the Federal Aviation Administration have tried to regulate drones as they’ve grown in popularity.

Harris said the concerns raised by drones were brought home when his 10-year-old son received a drone as a gift from his grandmother. Harris joked that his son was “going to be regulated by his mom and dad,” but that he wanted to ensure landowners were safe from intrusion.