Small unmanned aircraft; require retailer to register certain information with the Department of Public Safety.
The implications of HB 1383 extend to statutory amendments that affect how unmanned aircraft are regulated in Mississippi. With the introduction of mandatory registration, the bill aims to create an official record of drone ownership, hence increasing accountability. Retailers are also compelled to register each sale before completion, effectively shifting the responsibility of compliance to both parties involved in the transaction. Additionally, failure to comply with these regulations could result in the revocation of the retailer's license, thereby imposing serious operational consequences on businesses involved in the sale of drones.
House Bill 1383 proposes strict regulations concerning the operation of small unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drones, within the state of Mississippi. The bill mandates that individuals may not operate such aircraft unless they have registered with the Criminal Information Center of the Department of Public Safety. This registration process includes information submission from both the purchaser and the retailer involved in the sale. This regulatory measure is aimed at enhancing public safety and oversight of drone operations, particularly considering their increasing prevalence and potential misuse.
There are notable points of contention associated with HB 1383, particularly regarding the criminal penalties for using unmanned aircraft to deliver contraband to correctional facilities. The bill specifies that individuals convicted of such offenses will face severe penalties, which include an additional term of imprisonment of five years. Critics may argue that these punitive measures are excessively harsh and could lead to significant legal implications for individuals operating drones near correctional facilities, which complicates the lawful use of technology in sensitive areas.