SLS 25RS-37 ORIGINAL
2025 Regular Session
SENATE BILL NO. 9
BY SENATOR BASS AND REPRESENTATIVE BAMBURG
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
CRIME/PUNISHMENT. Adds federal and state military installations and facilities to the
locations over which the use of an unmanned aircraft system is prohibited. (8/1/25)
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact the introductory paragraph of R.S. 14:337(A)(1) and (B)(4) and to
3 enact R.S. 14:337(A)(1)(c), (B)(5), and (E)(5), relative to unlawful use of an
4 unmanned aircraft system; to prohibit use of an unmanned aircraft system over
5 federal and state military installations and facilities; to provide definitions and
6 penalties; and to provide for related matters.
7 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
8 Section 1. The introductory paragraph of R.S. 14:337(A)(1) and (B)(4) are hereby
9 amended and reenacted and R.S. 14:337(A)(1)(c), (B)(5), and (E)(5) are hereby enacted to
10 read as follows:
11 ยง337. Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system
12 A.(1) Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system is either any of the
13 following:
14 * * *
15 (c) The intentional use of an unmanned aircraft system to conduct
16 surveillance of, gather evidence or collect information about, interfere with the
17 operation of, or photographically or electronically record a federal or state
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 9
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1 military installation, facility, aircraft, ship, military vehicle, or weapon system
2 located therein without obtaining prior written consent from the military
3 installation or facility commander.
4 * * *
5 B. As used in this Section, the following definitions shall apply:
6 * * *
7 (4) "Federal or state military installation or facility" means either a
8 permanent military base or temporary installation where federal or state
9 military personnel conduct operations related to national or state defense or
10 security including but not limited to the staging or storage of military
11 equipment or service members, base operations or mission related activities,
12 logistical support operations, military drills or exercises, or civil support or
13 rescue services.
14 (5) "Unmanned aircraft system" means an unmanned, powered aircraft that
15 does not carry a human operator, can be autonomous or remotely piloted or operated,
16 and can be expendable or recoverable. "Unmanned aircraft system" does not include
17 any of the following:
18 (a) A satellite orbiting the earth.
19 (b) An unmanned aircraft system used by the federal government or a person
20 who is acting pursuant to contract with the federal government to conduct
21 surveillance of specific activities.
22 (c) An unmanned aircraft system used by the state government or a person
23 who is acting pursuant to a contract with the state government to conduct
24 surveillance of specific activities.
25 (d) An unmanned aircraft system used by a local government law
26 enforcement agency or fire department.
27 (e) An unmanned aircraft system used by a person, affiliate, employee, agent,
28 or contractor of any business which is regulated by the Louisiana Public Service
29 Commission or by a local franchising authority or the Federal Communications
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 9
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1 Commission under the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act
2 of 1992 or of a municipal or public utility, while acting in the course and scope of
3 his employment or agency relating to the operation, repair, or maintenance of a
4 facility, servitude, or any property located on the immovable property which belongs
5 to such a business.
6 * * *
7 E.(1) * * *
8 (5) Whoever commits the crime of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft
9 system as provided in Subparagraph (A)(1)(c) of this Section shall be fined not
10 less than two thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars, or
11 imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than one year, or both. In
12 addition to the sentence imposed pursuant to this Paragraph, the court shall
13 order the forfeiture of the unmanned aircraft system used in connection with
14 the offense and provide for the destruction, sale, or other disposition of the
15 unmanned aircraft system.
16 * * *
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Jonathon Wagner.
DIGEST
SB 9 Original 2025 Regular Session Bass
Present law defines and prohibits operating an "unmanned aircraft system" (UAS) over
certain areas without prior written authorization.
Proposed law retains present law and defines and adds "federal or state military installations
or facilities" to the list of places over which operating a UAS is prohibited without prior
written authorization.
Present law provides penalties for operating a UAS over certain areas without prior written
authorization.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that operating a UAS over federal or state military
installations or facilities without prior written authorization will be punished by a fine
between $2,000 and $5,000, imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to one year, or
both. Proposed law further provides for forfeiture and disposal of the UAS.
Effective August 1, 2025.
(Amends R.S. 14:337(A)(1)(intro para) and (B)(4); adds R.S. 14:337(A)(1)(c), (B)(5), and
(E)(5))
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.