H 1688 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to unmanned aerial vehicles

This bill amends Massachusetts law to regulate unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). It prohibits weaponizing drones or using them to photograph, videotape, or surveil people in places where they expect privacy without their knowledge and consent, or to surveil critical infrastructure facilities (like power plants, water treatment sites, or refineries) without permission. Violations for weaponizing drones carry penalties of 3-20 years in prison or fines up to $50,000. Using drones for unauthorized surveillance of people or infrastructure can result in up to 2.5 years in jail or fines up to $5,000. The law directly affects drone operators who violate these specific restrictions.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Oct 23, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Finn
Mike Finn
DDemocratic
MA
6th Hampden