as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/15/2016 09:48am
A bill for an act
relating to public safety; prohibiting the use of unmanned aerial vehicles near
public safety helicopters; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 609.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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(a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in this
subdivision have the meanings given them.
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(b) "Public safety helicopter" is a helicopter operated by a law enforcement agency,
fire department, or emergency medical service provider.
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(c) "Unmanned aerial vehicle" means a powered, aerial vehicle that:
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(1) does not carry a human operator;
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(2) can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely;
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(3) uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift;
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(4) can be expendable or recoverable; and
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(5) can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload.
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Whoever knowingly operates an unmanned aerial vehicle within
one mile of a public safety helicopter during operations is guilty of a crime and shall
be punished as provided in subdivision 3.
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(a) A person who violates subdivision 2 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
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(b) A person who violates subdivision 2 a second or subsequent time is guilty of a
gross misdemeanor.
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