Drone Integration and Zoning Act
Sponsored By: Senator Mike Lee
Introduced
Summary
Integrate civil drones into the national airspace while protecting State, local, and Tribal control and private property near the ground. The bill would draw a clear line at the airspace within 200 feet, set rules for 200–400 foot operations, and create processes for commercial routes, complex airspace, traffic management, and safety standards.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
FAA enforcement authority remains intact
If enacted, the bill would not limit the FAA's power to take enforcement action against drone operations that threaten navigable airspace, airports, navigation facilities, or air traffic systems.
New commercial drone routes process
If enacted, the bill would require the FAA and Transportation Secretary to set a process within 18 months to designate authorized commercial drone routes and "complex airspace." The FAA must accept or deny complete route applications within 90 days and explain denials in writing. The FAA could make written agreements to let States, localities, or Tribes manage routes, making that government responsible and liable until termination.
New low-altitude rules and local control
If enacted, the bill would define the "immediate reaches" as airspace up to 200 feet above ground. It would require the FAA to finish a rule within one year to treat 200–400 feet AGL as FAA-controlled airspace for drones. If enacted, the bill would also make clear that State, local, and Tribal governments keep authority to set reasonable time, place, and manner rules for drones below 200 feet. Examples include speed limits, bans near schools or parks, and limits during events.
Faster local drone landing permits
If enacted, the bill would let local and Tribal governments control drone take-off and landing sites but require fast, transparent permitting. They must act on a complete application within 60 days and give written denial reasons within 30 days. Fees may be charged but must be neutral and publicly disclosed. People hurt by a wrongful local action could seek expedited court review. These rules start 180 days after the FAA finishes a related rule.
Limits on local ascent and descent bans
If enacted, the bill would stop States, localities, and Tribes from enacting laws that unreasonably block drones from climbing into or descending from navigable airspace for commercial activity. A total ban on overflights or a mix of rules that make ascent nearly impossible would be prohibited. This does not stop regulation of flights below 200 feet or emergency descent rules.
State rules for intrastate drone delivery
If enacted, the bill would let States authorize small drones to carry property for hire only within a State's borders and within the immediate reaches up to 200 feet. State authorizations must be low-cost and use a streamlined application. The bill would say such operators are not federal "air carriers" for one rule. States could require extra equipment only for drones that stay inside the State.
Expanded drone traffic planning and data
If enacted, the bill would expand unmanned traffic management planning and testing. States, localities, and Tribes would join federal and industry planners. The bill would let tests try local time, place, and manner drone limits in the immediate reaches. It would require plans for coordination and a process to share data between federal, sub‑federal, and private UTM services.
Stricter test for drone safety standards
If enacted, the bill would require the FAA to run a cost-benefit analysis before accepting voluntary industry safety standards for small drones. The FAA would have to certify that benefits substantially outweigh costs to manufacturers and consumers. The FAA must also determine the standard is essential for safe drone traffic management.
Limits on drones near tall structures
If enacted, the bill would bar FAA authorization for civil drones within 50 feet of the top of structures taller than 200 feet. It would also bar flights within 200 feet sideways of such structures, or inside the owner's property line if that is closer. Drones could not touch or land on those structures without the owner's permission. The bill would allow a few exceptions, such as owner permission, public rights-of-way, or approved commercial routes.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Mike Lee
UT • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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