A 2730 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Permits DEP officers to use drones.

This bill (A-2730) authorizes New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conservation officers and park police to use drones (unmanned aircraft systems) during enforcement activities. It expands their existing authority to arrest individuals violating state laws when those violations are observed via drone, including for wildlife protection, trespassing, and park disturbances. The bill amends two existing statutes to formally permit drone use as a tool for observing and documenting law violations during enforcement, while requiring DEP to establish training programs for officers using this technology. The change specifically broadens current drone use beyond wildlife enforcement to cover additional duties under DEP jurisdiction.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
lower
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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