The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Jerry J. Guillot.
DIGEST
SB 69 Original 2017 Regular Session Carter
Proposed law provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, the state shall have exclusive
jurisdiction to regulate all unmanned aircraft systems and all unmanned aerial systems. Provides that
state law shall supersede and preempt any rule, regulation, code, or ordinance of any political
subdivision or other unit of local government.
Defines the following:
(1) "Unmanned aerial system" means an unmanned aircraft and all associated support
equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications, and navigation equipment
necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft. Such system may include drones,
remote-controlled aircraft, unmanned aircraft, or any other such aircraft that is controlled
autonomously by computer or remote control from the ground.
(2) "Unmanned aircraft system" means an unmanned, powered aircraft that does not carry a
human operator, can be autonomous or remotely piloted or operated, and can be expendable
or recoverable. "Unmanned aircraft system" does not include any of the following:
(a)A satellite orbiting the earth.
(b)An unmanned aircraft system used by the federal government or a person who is
acting pursuant to contract with the federal government to conduct surveillance of
specific activities.
(c)An unmanned aircraft system used by the state government or a person who is acting
pursuant to a contract with the state government to conduct surveillance of specific
activities.
(d)An unmanned aircraft system used by a local government law enforcement agency
or fire department.
(e)An unmanned aircraft system used by a person, affiliate, employee, agent, or
contractor of any business which is regulated by the Louisiana Public Service
Commission or by a local franchising authority or the Federal Communications
Commission under the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act
of 1992 or of a municipal or public utility, while acting in the course and scope of his
employment or agency relating to the operation, repair, or maintenance of a facility,
servitude, or any property located on the immovable property which belongs to such
a business. Provides that if federal law or regulation preempts any provision of proposed law, that provision
shall be null.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 2:2)