2016 Senate Bill 992 / Public Act 436

Regulate drones

Introduced in the Senate

May 25, 2016

Introduced by Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28)

To authorize the use of aerial drones for commercial purposes in Michigan, if the operator is authorized or licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Recreational use would also be permitted subject to federal rules. The bill would preempt local government restrictions on drone ownership or operation, but allow local regulations on use within their jurisdiction. It would also prohibit improper use of drones, including privacy violations, and authorize misdemeanor penalties. Finally, the bill creates a state commission to develop more detailed rules. See also Senate Bill 917.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation

Oct. 18, 2016

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Oct. 19, 2016

Amendment offered by Sen. Tom Casperson (R-38)

To revise details of which interests would be represented on the proposed drone rulemaking commission.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

Oct. 19, 2016

Referred to the Committee on Communications and Technology

Nov. 29, 2016

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 8, 2016

Substitute offered by Rep. Brad Jacobsen (R-46)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Christine Greig (D-37)

To add a "member of a statewide civil rights or consumer privacy organization" to the proposed rules-writing commission.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Jon Hoadley (D-60)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 5726, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 5726 would make it crime to manufacture, sell, possess or use an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) equipped with a weapon.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. John Chirkun (D-22)

To ban flying a drone within 1,000 feet of a jail, prison or police building.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Brad Jacobsen (R-46)

The amendment failed by voice vote

Dec. 13, 2016

Amendment offered by Rep. Lee Chatfield (R-107)

To add someone who represents interests on Mackinac Island to the proposed rules-writing commission.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 103 to 5 (details)

To authorize the use of aerial drones for commercial purposes in Michigan, if the operator is authorized or licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Recreational use would also be permitted subject to federal rules. The bill would preempt local government restrictions on drone ownership or operation, but allow local regulations on use within their jurisdiction. It would also prohibit improper use of drones, including privacy violations, and authorize misdemeanor penalties. Finally, the bill creates a state commission to develop more detailed rules. See also Senate Bill 917.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 13, 2016

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 31, 2016