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GeorgiaHB 12302025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Aviation; prohibit operation of unmanned aircraft systems over a place of incarceration

Sponsored By: Clint Crowe (Republican), Bill Hitchens (Republican), Todd Jones (Republican), Eddie Lumsden (Republican), Brad Thomas (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Technology and Infrastructure InnovationTransportationGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Police gain tools against prison drones

Law enforcement may detect, track, identify, intercept, disable, or disrupt drones flying over prisons, jails, and other detention facilities. Officers need reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, an imminent public safety threat, or another state or federal law violation. Their response must be reasonable and necessary, using legal and safe methods. This authority excludes operators following federal rules, peace officers doing law enforcement or public safety work, and regulated-utility employees doing their jobs.

Utility workers keep drone access near events

Regulated-utility employees are exempt from the drone ban within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event. This covers water, sewer, electric, phone, cable, and other regulated utilities. Employees must be conducting official business within the scope of their jobs.

Drone operators face prison-related felony penalties

Knowingly and intentionally using a drone to break inmate-possession rules carries 1 to 10 years in prison. Recording a prison or jail for a criminal purpose, or flying above it, carries 5 to 10 years. These felony rules also cover knowingly and intentionally allowing the operation from one's property; satellites are excluded. Prior permission to record may show noncriminal intent; lack of permission is not evidence of criminal intent. Law enforcement may seize, remove, destroy, or otherwise dispose of a drone used in violation of these restrictions. The owner pays those costs, but the law sets no dollar amount.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Clint Crowe

    Republican • House

  • Bill Hitchens

    Republican • House

  • Todd Jones

    Republican • House

  • Eddie Lumsden

    Republican • House

  • Brad Thomas

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Shawn Still

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 237 • No: 24

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

MOTION TO TABLE REMAINING LEGISLATION ON THE RULES CALENDAR

Yes: 26 • No: 22 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 6

House vote • 3/3/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 166 • No: 2 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/5/2026House

  3. Act 388

    5/5/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026House

  5. Senate Tabled

    3/27/2026Senate

  6. Senate Taken from Table

    3/27/2026Senate

  7. Senate Third Read

    3/27/2026Senate

  8. Senate Passed/Adopted

    3/27/2026Senate

  9. Senate Read Second Time

    3/20/2026Senate

  10. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. Senate Read and Referred

    3/4/2026Senate

  12. House Third Readers

    3/3/2026House

  13. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/3/2026House

  14. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/24/2026House

  15. House Second Readers

    2/10/2026House

  16. House First Readers

    2/9/2026House

  17. House Hopper

    2/6/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 1230/AP* (v6)

    PDF

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