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MontanaSB 49369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Establish the offense of trespass by unmanned aerial vehicle

Sponsored By: Greg Hertz (Republican)

Became Law

Crimes

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New $500 fine for low drone trespass

The law makes it a crime to fly a drone 200 feet or lower over someone’s property or home without permission. A conviction carries a $500 fine. Government crews and their contractors may fly for safety, firefighting, law enforcement, and emergencies. Police using drones under 46-5-109 are exempt. Flights inside an easement are allowed if the easement holder agrees. Utility and broadband workers may inspect lines, towers, and equipment or assess damage. FAA-licensed operators may fly for real business if they follow FAA rules. The law takes effect on passage and approval.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Greg Hertz

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Greg Overstreet

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 291 • No: 56

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 72 • No: 27

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 80 • No: 19

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 44 • No: 5

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

AMD-SB0493.001.001 Hertz D/PASS

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass As Amended

Yes: 45 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/8/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/5/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/25/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/25/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/21/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/13/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/11/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/10/2025House

  10. Committee Report--Bill Concurred

    4/9/2025House

  11. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred

    4/9/2025House

  12. Hearing

    4/7/2025House

  13. Fiscal Note Unsigned

    3/24/2025Senate

  14. Fiscal Note Received

    3/24/2025Senate

  15. Fiscal Note Requested

    3/20/2025Senate

  16. First Reading

    3/17/2025House

  17. Referred to Committee

    3/17/2025House

  18. Transmitted to House

    3/7/2025Senate

  19. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/6/2025Senate

  20. 2nd Reading Passed as Amended

    3/5/2025Senate

  21. 2nd Reading Motion to Amend Carried

    3/5/2025Senate

  22. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    3/4/2025Senate

  23. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    3/4/2025Senate

  24. Hearing

    3/3/2025Senate

  25. Referred to Committee

    2/26/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/12/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    3/5/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/25/2025

    PDF

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