2018 House Bill 5494 / Public Act 444

Clarify drone operator liability for drone crimes

Introduced in the House

Jan. 30, 2018

Introduced by Rep. Michele Hoitenga (R-102)

To define unmanned aerial drones as “an extension of the person” for purposes of assigning responsibility for criminal misuse. Bills have been introduced to essentially add "also illegal if done with a drone" provisions to various criminal offenses, and this bill would make that presumption automatic.

Referred to the Committee on Communications and Technology

March 14, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 21, 2018

Amendment offered by Rep. Michele Hoitenga (R-102)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 5495, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 5495 would ban using a drone to interfere with “key facilities” like refineries, chemical plants, storage tanks, electricity generators, etc.

The amendment passed by voice vote

March 22, 2018

Passed in the House 108 to 1 (details)

Received in the Senate

Dec. 11, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 13, 2018

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To define unmanned aerial drones as “an extension of the person” for purposes of assigning responsibility for criminal misuse. Bills have been introduced to essentially add "also illegal if done with a drone" provisions to various criminal offenses, and this bill would make that presumption automatic.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 20, 2018