Aviation: unmanned aircraft systems: ticketed entertainment events and amusement parks

The law creates a $500 civil infraction for operating drones near covered venues, aimed at protecting crowds, performers, athletes, and venue operations.

What the law does ​

• Prohibits operating an unmanned aircraft within 400 feet of an outdoor ticketed entertainment event or amusement park.
• Covers professional music, sports, and performing-arts events at gated or barrier-controlled venues holding at least 1,000 people, unless already covered by Federal Aviation Administration restrictions.
• Allows flights authorized by the venue operator, venue employees on official business, utility and transportation-agency employees on official business, and qualifying federally authorized commercial operators.
• Preserves emergency responders’ ability to use drones for fire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response.
• Makes each violation an infraction punishable by a $500 fine.

Who it affects ​

• Recreational and unauthorized drone operators near covered outdoor events and amusement parks.
• Venue operators, amusement parks, and their employees.
• Commercial drone operators with Federal Aviation Administration authorization.
• Utility providers, transportation agencies, and emergency personnel using drones for official duties.