Georga Drone Laws

17  LC 29 7489S/AP  

House Bill 481 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)  

By: Representatives Tanner of the 9th, Golick of the 40th, Rynders of the 152nd, and Epps of  the 144th  

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT  

1 To amend Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general  

2 provisions regarding aviation, so as to provide for preemption for unmanned aircraft systems;  

3 to define a term; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other  

4 purposes.  

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6BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:  SECTION 1.  

7 Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions  

8 regarding aviation, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:  

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24  "6-1-4.  (a)(1) As used in this Code section, the term 'unmanned aircraft system' means a  powered, aerial vehicle that:  

(A) Does not carry a human operator and is operated without the possibility of direct  human intervention from within or on the aircraft;  

(B) Uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift;  

(C) Can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely; and  

(D) Can be expendable or recoverable.  

(2) Such term shall not include a satellite.  (b) Any ordinance, resolution, regulation, or policy of any county, municipality, or other  political subdivision of this state regulating the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft  systems shall be deemed preempted and shall be null, void, and of no force and effect;  provided, however, that a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state  may:  

(1) Enforce any ordinance that was adopted on or before April 1, 2017;  

(2) Adopt an ordinance that enforces Federal Aviation Administration restrictions; or  

H. B. 481  - 1 -  

(3) Adopt an ordinance that provides for or prohibits the launch or intentional landing  of an unmanned aircraft system from or on its public property except with respect to the  operation of an unmanned aircraft system for commercial purposes.  

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30  (c) The state, through agency or departmental rules and regulations, may provide for or  prohibit the launch or intentional landing of an unmanned aircraft system from or on its  public property."  

31  SECTION 2.  

32 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.  

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