New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00615

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Relates to prohibiting civilian drone use within 500 feet of a correctional facility except when in use under the Federal Aviation Administration's authorization.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly amend the existing correction law regarding drone use, establishing clear boundaries for civilian operation around correctional facilities. Advocates believe that this will enhance security at these facilities by curbing attempts to breach their privacy and safety. The legislation marks an effort to align state policies with rising technological trends while trying to safeguard against potential misuse of drone technology in monitoring and illicit activities near these institutions.

Summary

A00615 is a legislative bill introduced in New York that seeks to regulate the usage of civilian drones around correctional facilities. The proposed law would prohibit any individual from operating a drone within 500 feet of a correctional facility or local correctional facility in New York. The bill defines a drone broadly, encompassing powered and unpowered aerial vehicles as well as their operational parameters, and stipulates civil penalties for violations. This legislation aims to reduce potential security risks associated with drone surveillance and unauthorized aerial access to sensitive correctional areas.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding A00615, particularly regarding privacy rights and the implications of restricting drone usage. Critics could argue that overregulation may infringe upon the rights of individuals to use drones for legitimate purposes near correctional facilities, such as aerial photography or news reporting. Furthermore, the parameters set by the Federal Aviation Administration could pose questions concerning the overlap between federal regulations and state-level laws, raising concerns about enforcement and compliance under dual authority.

Companion Bills

NY S00694

Same As Relates to prohibiting civilian drone use within 500 feet of a correctional facility except when in use under the Federal Aviation Administration's authorization.

Previously Filed As

NY S00694

Relates to prohibiting civilian drone use within 500 feet of a correctional facility except when in use under the Federal Aviation Administration's authorization.

NY HB251

Regards drone use by law enforcement; aviation facilities

NY LD2157

An Act to Prohibit the Unauthorized Use of Drones on or over the Premises of Correctional Facilities and Jails

NY SB205

Revise registration fees for drones and establish a fund to support drone aviation.

NY A03781

Relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time and without advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities.

NY S00651

Relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time and without advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities.

NY A08027

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of mental health, to make mental health counseling available to all correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.

NY S08061

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of mental health, to make mental health counseling available to all correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.

NY S01643

Establishes a job fair pilot program for certain residents of correctional facilities in the Wende and New York City correctional facility hubs.

NY S09984

Increases the penalties for promoting prison contraband in the first and second degrees; requires that each state correctional facility use body imaging scanning for all incarcerated individuals and visitors entering such facility; requires state correctional facilities to use trained canines to screen for contraband at the entrance of each facility.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.