An Act relative to unmanned aerial vehicles

This bill amends Massachusetts law to establish penalties for the unauthorized use of unmanned aerial vehicles, specifically targeting weaponized drones and unauthorized surveillance. It defines critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants and refineries, to clarify which locations receive special protection from drone surveillance. Under the new rules, operating a weaponized drone without legal authority could result in prison sentences of up to 20 years or fines of up to $50,000. Additionally, the bill sets fines and potential jail time for individuals who willfully use drones to spy on people or critical infrastructure without their consent or lawful permission. These provisions aim to increase accountability for drone misuse while maintaining clear definitions of protected areas and private privacy rights.