HB 5319 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; flying over or trespassing on a key facility or critical infrastructure with an unmanned aircraft or vehicle; prohibit. Amends sec. 45a of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.45a).

HB 5319 prohibits using unmanned aircraft (drones) to fly over or trespass on key facilities, correctional facilities, law enforcement facilities, or critical infrastructure. It directly affects drone operators who might fly near these locations without authorization. The bill creates criminal penalties (up to 4 years in prison or $2,500 fine) for violations, while exempting public safety agencies and commercial operators complying with federal FAA rules. Key provisions include a 90-day delay before restrictions apply and definitions of "key facility" (per §552c) and "critical infrastructure" (aligned with federal designations).

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Dec 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Dec 2, 2025 Last action May 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

House Introduced Bill → Substitute (H-3) · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to significantly lower the penalty for unauthorized drone usage near critical facilities from a felony to a misdemeanor, while introducing a new tier of felony charges for acts committed with malicious intent. Additionally, the definition of 'critical infrastructure' was updated to reference a different state law, and new exemptions were added for authorized personnel and those with property owner consent.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding penalties was narrowed for general violations but expanded for malicious acts, and the definition of protected facilities was updated to align with a specific state statute.

ENFORCEMENT

The penalty for violating the no-fly zone was reduced from a felony (up to 4 years in prison) to a misdemeanor (up to 90 days in prison), unless the violation was done with malicious intent, which remains a felony.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'critical infrastructure' was changed to refer to the Cyber Civilian Corps Act instead of the previous designation criteria.

ELIGIBILITY

New exemptions were created for public safety agencies, authorized personnel working on infrastructure maintenance, and individuals operating drones with the property owner's consent.

REQUIREMENT

The requirement for commercial operators to comply with FAA regulations was updated to include 'exemptions' in addition to authorizations.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

substitute (H-3) adopted

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Committee

referred to second reading

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

reported with recommendation with substitute (H-3)

lower

Dec 2, 2025

Committee

referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

lower

Dec 2, 2025

Introduced

introduced by Representative Rep. William Bruck

lower

1 primary · 27 co-sponsors