HB 4715

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Aeronautics Act. Allows a unit of local government to adopt reasonable rules related to the use of the first 150 feet of airspace that is above ground level of public property owned or controlled by that unit of local government. Establishes that a unit of local government may only adopt rules for publicly owned or controlled property that is intended or permitted to be used for recreational or conservation purposes, including, but not limited to, parks, playgrounds, aquatic facilities, wildlife areas, or other recreational facilities. Provides that reasonable rules adopted by a unit of local government shall not supersede any administrative rules adopted by the Department of Transportation. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Aeronautics Act. In provisions concerning the regulation of unmanned aircraft systems, provides that nothing in those provisions shall be construed to deny a unit of local government the right to adopt reasonable rules related to the use by a private party of airspace that is above ground level of public property owned or controlled by that unit of local government. Provides that the provisions apply to publicly owned or controlled property that is intended or permitted to be used for recreational or conservation purposes, including, but not limited to, parks, playgrounds, aquatic facilities, wildlife areas, or other recreational facilities. Provides that reasonable rules adopted pursuant to the provisions do not supersede any administrative rules adopted by the Department of Transportation or any federal laws, rules, or regulations. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides an exemption from State regulation for unmanned aircraft systems used by commercial users for business operations in connection with critical infrastructure. Defines "critical infrastructure". House Floor Amendment No. 4 Corrects a citation.