25 LC 39 4420
House Bill 58
By: Representatives Richardson of the 125
th
, Leverett of the 123
rd
, Thomas of the 21
st
, Clifton
of the 131
st
, and Crowe of the 118
th
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general
1
provisions relative to aviation, so as to authorize the adoption of local ordinances,2
resolutions, regulations, or policies that restrict the flight of unmanned aircraft systems over3
mass public gatherings; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal4
conflicting laws; and for other purposes.5
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:6
SECTION 1.7
Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions8
relative to aviation, is amended by revising Code Section 6-1-4, relating to unmanned aircraft9
system defined, preemption for unmanned aircraft systems, and operations, as follows:10
"6-1-4.11
(a)(1)
As used in this Code section, the term 'unmanned:12
(1) 'Flight' means the operation of an unmanned aircraft system at or below 400 feet13
above ground level.14
(2) 'Mass public gathering' means any event held outdoors or in a semienclosed structure15
which is likely to attract 500 or more persons and to continue for 30 minutes or more.16
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(3) 'Unmanned aircraft system' means a:17
(A) A powered, aerial vehicle that:18
(A)(i) Does not carry a human operator and is operated without the possibility of19
direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft;20
(B)(ii) Uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift;21
(C)(iii) Can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely; and22
(D)(iv) Can be expendable or recoverable.23
(2)(B) Such term shall not include a satellite.24
(b) Any ordinance, resolution, regulation, or policy of any county, municipality, or other25
political subdivision of this state regulating the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft26
systems shall be deemed preempted and shall be null, void, and of no force and effect;27
provided, however, that a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state28
may:29
(1) Enforce any ordinance that was adopted on or before April 1, 2017;30
(2) Adopt an ordinance that enforces Federal Aviation Administration restrictions; or31
(3) Adopt an ordinance that provides for or prohibits the launch or intentional landing32
of an unmanned aircraft system from or on its public property except with respect to the33
operation of an unmanned aircraft system for commercial purposes;34
(4) Adopt an ordinance that prohibits flight over its public property during a mass public35
gathering without written authorization from the political subdivision; or36
(5) Adopt an ordinance that prohibits flight over private property during a mass public37
gathering without written authorization from the property owner.38
(c) The state, through agency or departmental rules and regulations, may provide for or39
prohibit the launch or intentional landing of an unmanned aircraft system from or on its40
public property."41
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SECTION 2.
42
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.43
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