Texas House Bill HB3403

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the operation of an unmanned aircraft that is outside the direct line of sight of the operator of the aircraft; creating a criminal offense; imposing a fee.

Impact

The bill impacts existing transportation statutes by amending Title 3 of the Transportation Code to incorporate new provisions concerning unmanned aircraft. It specifically lays down the conditions under which these aircraft can be operated outside of the operator's line of sight. By imposing a requirement that unmanned aircraft must operate in defined avigation easements, the bill aims to create clear operational guidelines that would benefit both individuals and organizations using such technologies, while also safeguarding public interests.

Summary

House Bill 3403 establishes regulations for the operation of unmanned aircraft when they are beyond the operator's direct line of sight. The bill introduces the concept of avigation easements, which are specific airspace corridors defined by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) through which unmanned aircraft may operate. This legislation seeks to create a framework for safely integrating these aircraft into Texas airspace while addressing concerns related to public safety and privacy.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may argue that requiring unmanned aircraft to operate only within avigation easements could significantly limit their usability, particularly for private operators. There is a likely concern that this limitation might hinder innovation and the use of unmanned aircraft for various purposes, such as commercial or recreational uses. Furthermore, the introduction of user fees for operating in these easements may be contested by smaller operators who may find such costs prohibitive, potentially creating barriers to entry in the unmanned aviation market.