{"name":"New U.S. State Drone Laws, 2026","publisher":"Drone Authority","url":"https://droneauthority.org/data/state-drone-laws-2026","description":"Every state drone statute and agency rule enacted in 2026 or taking effect in 2026 or on January 1, 2027, with signing and effective dates, audience, a plain-language summary, and the primary source.","license":{"name":"Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","attribution":"Drone Authority, https://droneauthority.org/data/state-drone-laws-2026"},"disclaimer":"Educational reference, not legal advice. Rules change and local ordinances may apply. Verify against the linked primary sources before relying on any record.","dateModified":"2026-09-26","recordCount":22,"csv":"https://droneauthority.org/api/datasets/state-drone-laws-2026?format=csv","records":[{"id":"nh-rsa-644-23","state":"New Hampshire","state_slug":"new-hampshire","measure":"RSA 644:23 (2025 chapter 278)","kind":"statute","topic":"Federal-rule violations and misuse","audience":"all-pilots","signed":null,"effective":"2026-01-01","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Makes breaking federal drone rules a state offense, and adds misdemeanor and felony tiers for interfering with emergency response or manned aircraft, correctional facility overflights, contraband, and weaponized drones.","source_url":"https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LXII/644/644-23.htm","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/new-hampshire"},{"id":"wy-parks-notice","state":"Wyoming","state_slug":"wyoming","measure":"State Parks Chapter 1 rule amendments (notice of intent)","kind":"proposed-rule","topic":"State parks","audience":"all-pilots","signed":"2026-01-07","effective":null,"status_on_generation":"proposed","summary":"Proposes allowing drone use in state parks with the park superintendent's prior written permission. Proposed, not confirmed as adopted.","source_url":"https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/news-updates-general/2155-wyoming-state-parks-notice-of-intent-to-amend-rules","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/wyoming"},{"id":"me-ld-2157","state":"Maine","state_slug":"maine","measure":"LD 2157, Public Law 2026 chapter 689","kind":"statute","topic":"Correctional facilities","audience":"all-pilots","signed":"2026-04-13","effective":null,"status_on_generation":"date-not-stated","summary":"Creates 17-A M.R.S. § 761, prohibiting unauthorized drone use on or over the premises of correctional facilities and jails.","source_url":"https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?ld=2157&PID=1456&snum=132&sec6","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/maine"},{"id":"sc-act-150","state":"South Carolina","state_slug":"south-carolina","measure":"Act 150 (H. 4679)","kind":"statute","topic":"Statewide framework and preemption","audience":"all-pilots","signed":"2026-05-15","effective":"2027-01-01","status_on_generation":"upcoming","summary":"The South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act. Repeals §§ 24-1-300 and 24-5-175, bars local ordinances that conflict with the act or FAA rules, and sets a 1,500-foot correctional facility offense.","source_url":"https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/4679.htm","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/south-carolina"},{"id":"ny-ch55","state":"New York","state_slug":"new-york","measure":"Chapter 55 of 2026 (S9005-C, Part D)","kind":"statute","topic":"Prohibited spaces and misuse","audience":"all-pilots","signed":"2026-05-27","effective":"2026-08-25","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Adds Penal Law Article 280: unlawful use of a drone, including flight over prohibited spaces such as areas within 500 feet of airports and military installations. Drone provisions took effect 90 days after signing.","source_url":"https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9005","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/new-york"},{"id":"la-act-854","state":"Louisiana","state_slug":"louisiana","measure":"Act 854 (HB 940)","kind":"statute","topic":"Law enforcement counter-drone standards","audience":"public-agencies","signed":null,"effective":"2026-06-08","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"The LETS GO! Act, RS 14:337.2: training standards and a joint task force for law enforcement drone mitigation. It governs how officers may intercept drones, not what private pilots must do.","source_url":"https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1481485","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/louisiana"},{"id":"ga-hb-1230","state":"Georgia","state_slug":"georgia","measure":"HB 1230","kind":"statute","topic":"Correctional facilities","audience":"all-pilots","signed":null,"effective":"2026-07-01","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Amends O.C.G.A. § 42-5-18: operating a drone above a place of incarceration, or for contraband delivery or criminal-purpose imaging, is a felony. Police may seize the drone and use detection and interception measures. Operators in compliance with federal regulations and utility workers are exempt.","source_url":"https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/hb-1230/download","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/georgia"},{"id":"id-20-251","state":"Idaho","state_slug":"idaho","measure":"2026 chapter 233 (Idaho Code § 20-251)","kind":"statute","topic":"Correctional facilities","audience":"all-pilots","signed":null,"effective":"2026-07-01","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and six months plus forfeiture, for flying in the airspace from the surface to 400 feet above ground within a state correctional facility's perimeter.","source_url":"https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title20/T20CH2/SECT20-251/","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/idaho"},{"id":"in-hea-1249","state":"Indiana","state_slug":"indiana","measure":"HEA 1249 (P.L. 158-2026)","kind":"statute","topic":"Remote aerial harassment","audience":"all-pilots","signed":null,"effective":"2026-07-01","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Rewrites IC 35-45-10-6. Operating a drone to harass a person, or over another's property without consent intending to harass or disturb, is a class A misdemeanor, and a level 6 felony with a prior conviction.","source_url":"https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1249/HB1249.04.ENRS.pdf","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/indiana"},{"id":"oh-hb-251","state":"Ohio","state_slug":"ohio","measure":"HB 251 (136th General Assembly)","kind":"statute","topic":"Public agency drone use","audience":"public-agencies","signed":"2026-07-07","effective":"2026-10-06","status_on_generation":"upcoming","summary":"Sets rules for how law enforcement and other public entities use and buy drones, including a warrant requirement for surveillance where a warrant would otherwise be needed. It does not regulate private operators.","source_url":"https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb251","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/ohio"},{"id":"mo-sb-1421","state":"Missouri","state_slug":"missouri","measure":"SB 1421","kind":"statute","topic":"Entertainment venues and critical infrastructure","audience":"all-pilots","signed":"2026-07-09","effective":"2026-07-09","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Signed with an emergency clause. Restricts flight below 400 feet inside the property line of an open-air entertainment facility holding 500 or more, and addresses listed critical infrastructure. The commercial exception is conditional.","source_url":"https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/pdf-bill/tat/SB1421.pdf","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/missouri"},{"id":"tn-deer-recovery","state":"Tennessee","state_slug":"tennessee","measure":"TWRA drone recovery framework (under Public Chapter 478)","kind":"regulation","topic":"Wounded-game recovery","audience":"hunters","signed":null,"effective":"2026-08-01","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Drones may be used only to recover a deer reasonably believed to be mortally wounded, over private land with the landowner's permission, from 30 minutes after sunset to 3 a.m., by an FAA-certificated pilot with a thermal-equipped drone. Hunting with drones stays banned.","source_url":"https://www.tn.gov/twra/hunting.html","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/tennessee"},{"id":"or-parks-openings","state":"Oregon","state_slug":"oregon","measure":"Oregon State Parks drone operation areas","kind":"regulation","topic":"State parks","audience":"recreational-pilots","signed":null,"effective":"2026-08-08","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Recreational drone operation is allowed at a published list of about twenty state park properties. Every other state park property stays closed to drones.","source_url":"https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=97","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/oregon"},{"id":"az-ch-215","state":"Arizona","state_slug":"arizona","measure":"Laws 2026 chapter 215 (SB 1160)","kind":"statute","topic":"Ticketed events","audience":"commercial-pilots","signed":"2026-06-22","effective":"2026-09-12","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Class 1 misdemeanor to fly a civil drone, meaning one flown for anything other than strictly hobby purposes, within 5,280 feet of or above a gated, ticketed music, sports, or performing arts event.","source_url":"https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2r/laws/0215.htm","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/arizona"},{"id":"az-ch-236","state":"Arizona","state_slug":"arizona","measure":"Laws 2026 chapter 236 (SB 1627)","kind":"statute","topic":"Schools","audience":"recreational-pilots","signed":"2026-06-22","effective":"2026-09-12","status_on_generation":"in-effect","summary":"Class 3 misdemeanor for a recreational pilot to photograph or loiter 200 feet or less above posted, non-residential K-12 school property while school is in session, after being asked to leave.","source_url":"https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2r/laws/0236.htm","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/arizona"},{"id":"al-hb-429","state":"Alabama","state_slug":"alabama","measure":"HB 429","kind":"statute","topic":"Ticketed events","audience":"all-pilots","signed":null,"effective":"2026-10-01","status_on_generation":"upcoming","summary":"Unlawful to fly within 400 feet of or above a gated, ticketed music, sports, or performing arts event. A first violation is a fine of up to $500; a repeat is a class A misdemeanor.","source_url":"https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2026RS/HB429-enr.pdf","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/alabama"},{"id":"ok-sb-1441","state":"Oklahoma","state_slug":"oklahoma","measure":"SB 1441 (Laws 2026 chapter 149)","kind":"statute","topic":"Critical infrastructure","audience":"all-pilots","signed":null,"effective":"2026-11-01","status_on_generation":"upcoming","summary":"Amends 3 O.S. § 322, which bars flying below 400 feet over, touching, or interfering with a listed critical infrastructure facility. Read the amended text once it takes effect.","source_url":"https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=478051","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/oklahoma"},{"id":"ca-ab-2113","state":"California","state_slug":"california","measure":"AB 2113 (Chapter 383, Statutes of 2026)","kind":"statute","topic":"Ticketed events and amusement parks","audience":"all-pilots","signed":"2026-09-20","effective":"2027-01-01","status_on_generation":"upcoming","summary":"No drone flight within 400 feet of an outdoor ticketed entertainment event not already under an FAA restriction, or of an amusement park at any time. $500 infraction. A Part 107 certificate alone does not exempt a pilot.","source_url":"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2113","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/california"},{"id":"wa-eshb-2711","state":"Washington","state_slug":"washington","measure":"ESHB 2711 (2026 c 255 § 406)","kind":"statute","topic":"Commercial registration and tax","audience":"commercial-pilots","signed":null,"effective":"2027-01-01","status_on_generation":"upcoming","summary":"Adds a $120 annual excise tax on commercial unpiloted aircraft under RCW 82.48.030. With the $30 registration fee that applies from the same date, the annual cost per commercial drone is $150.","source_url":"https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=82.48.030","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/washington"},{"id":"ga-hb-946","state":"Georgia","state_slug":"georgia","measure":"HB 946","kind":"statute","topic":"Feral hogs","audience":"hunters","signed":null,"effective":null,"status_on_generation":"date-not-stated","summary":"Adds O.C.G.A. § 27-3-13(a.1): drones may be used to locate feral hogs, subject to all other laws. Locating is the whole permission; it does not allow taking or driving hogs with a drone.","source_url":"https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/hb-946/download","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/georgia"},{"id":"md-comar-drone","state":"Maryland","state_slug":"maryland","measure":"COMAR 08.03.10.17 (2026-2027 season)","kind":"regulation","topic":"Hunting and wounded-game recovery","audience":"hunters","signed":null,"effective":null,"status_on_generation":"date-not-stated","summary":"Bars using a drone to hunt or take wildlife or to disturb it in a way that causes injury or death. A drone may locate lawfully wounded or killed game, with notice to the DNR Communication Center before and after.","source_url":"https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/08.03.10.17","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/maryland"},{"id":"sd-ch-192","state":"South Dakota","state_slug":"south-dakota","measure":"2026 Session Laws chapter 192","kind":"statute","topic":"Law enforcement countermeasures","audience":"public-agencies","signed":null,"effective":null,"status_on_generation":"date-not-stated","summary":"Authorizes law enforcement countermeasures against unauthorized drone flights over prisons, jails, and military facilities, which SDCL 50-15-3 already makes a class 6 felony.","source_url":"https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/50-15","page_url":"https://droneauthority.org/laws/south-dakota"}]}