Ohio Governor Signs Drone-Use Bill into Law

 Did you know that Ohio now has its own rules regulating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)?  Governor DeWine approved House Bill 77 this week, allowing the state to charge those who operate UAVs recklessly, interfere with emergency services, or loiter over certain critical infrastructure, among other things.  With the signature, this bill officially becomes law in three months.

Text of the bill is available here:  

search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_135/legislation/hb77/05_EN/pdf/

The bill does not create any new licensure or testing requirements for Ohio UAV operators, nor does it really add any requirements not covered by FAA regulations.  It simply allows the state to prosecute offenders without getting Federal authorities involved.

Reading through the text of the bill, there is nothing that will affect operations within SMAC's FRIA.  One provision to be aware of allows municipal corporations, park districts, townships, and counties to adopt ordinances, resolutions, or regulations regarding UAV use over parks or public property within their boundaries.  If you fly other than at the field, be aware of any local restrictions accordingly.