The issue of states developing Bills (laws) to affect UAV / UAS operation is a growing concern. I thought that I would add / update where Montana stands and what is being proposed.
I have added links, so those whom are interested, may see what has been, and is currently, being moved through the Mt. State Senate.
Many of use traveled to Helena to speak directly to our govt. officials, and have written many letters. At present, we have started to write letters to other states to let them know our concerns, and that we (as a community) have been actively following these actions.
It would be a real shame to allow persons with no direct knowledge, or understanding, of how valuable a properly operated UAV is. Yes, malicious use of UAV /UAS systems should be dealt with, but we are not all criminals with evil on our minds.
Please do not allow ingenuity, curiosity, and development be destroyed by ignorance and misinformation.
Montana SB 196 :
A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT LIMITING THE USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PRIVATE USERS; PROHIBITING THE USE OF UNLAWFULLY OBTAINED INFORMATION AS EVIDENCE IN COURT; AND AMENDING SECTION 46-1-202, MCA."
Current (Amended 3-27-2013) http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2013/billpdf/SB0196.pdf
[Scheduled for 3rd. reading today]
Original bill wording (1-24-2013)
Montana SB 150 :
A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT LIMITING THE USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES; AND PROHIBITING ANY GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY WITHIN THE STATE OF MONTANA OWNING OR UTILIZING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES WITH ANTIPERSONNEL DEVICES."
Current (Tabled as is / 4-4-2013)
Original bill (1-17-2013
Replies
Montana "UAV / UAS" bill(s) Update:
SB 196 Current Bill Progress: Became Law
TITLE: AN ACT LIMITING THE USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES BY LAW ENFORCEMENT; AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF UNLAWFULLY OBTAINED INFORMATION AS EVIDENCE IN COURT.
http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2013/billhtml/SB0196.htm
SB 150 Current Bill Progress: Probably Dead
TITLE: Prohibit state government from owning or using unmanned aerial vehicles
http://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW0203W$BSRV.ActionQuery?P_SESS=2013...=