SB 992 was passed out of House Committee this week and action is expected on the House floor early next week. This legislation provides a regulatory framework for individuals to legally operate drones in Michigan. It also sets forth provisions that an individual operator must follow or be subject to criminal penalties. Finally the bill sets up a task-force to put forward additional policy recommendations on the use of drones in Michigan.

Unfortunately though this bill removes the ability for local units of government to adopt their own ordinances regulating drone usage within their community. We have had conversations with the sponsor and as a result were able to secure direct representation on the task-force to address usage at the local level, but could not come to an agreement on striking the preemption language.

Should you have concerns about local preemption of drones please reach out to your Representative to share those concerns.

John LaMacchia is the Assistant Director of State and Federal Affairs for the League handling transportation, infrastructure, energy and environment issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.