Michigan State Capitol Commission Plans New Drone Policy
A new drone policy could soon be implemented at the Michigan state Capitol building, as discussed during a recent meeting of the Michigan State Capitol Commission.
The proposed three-stage plan, presented by executive director Robert Blackshaw, aims to address the increasing presence of drones in the area.
Monitoring Drone Activity
The first phase of the plan involves the introduction of new software to monitor drone activity. Blackshaw highlighted that this software will provide real-time information about the drones and their pilots, allowing authorities to compare the data with registered flight plans from the FAA to ensure compliance.
Policy Explanation and Enforcement
The second phase focuses on educating drone pilots about the policies surrounding drone usage in the area, while the third phase will involve enforcing these policies effectively.
Blackshaw mentioned that further steps in the plan will be revealed in the future.
Legislation for Statewide Drone Regulation
Simultaneously, state lawmakers are working on bills to regulate drone usage across Michigan. Despite federal regulations typically overseeing drones, Michigan legislators believe that applying trespassing laws to drones flying near sensitive locations like power plants and stadiums is crucial.
State Representative Will Bruck, along with a bipartisan group of co-sponsors, plans to introduce a bill package that would empower local law enforcement to address unauthorized drone activities promptly. The proposed legislation also aims to establish guidelines for agencies and departments procuring drone equipment, ensuring that such equipment does not pose security risks.
Bruck emphasized the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and citizens’ privacy, especially in light of potential data security concerns associated with drones manufactured by companies on a federal government watch list.
The proposed bills would initially allow departments to enhance the security of existing drones with software patches, followed by a gradual replacement of drones with more secure options through regular budget cycles.
These legislative efforts reflect a proactive approach by Michigan authorities to address the challenges posed by the increasing use of drones and safeguard public safety and privacy.
