SF0132

Prohibits the operation of unmanned aircraft systems over critical infrastructure and critical systems, with limited exceptions, and authorizes law enforcement and the National Guard to take reasonable actions to prevent such violations.

• Prohibits operating or using unmanned aircraft systems to intentionally photograph critical infrastructure or critical systems, to intentionally loiter over them, or in furtherance of any criminal offense. (W.S. 19-13-503(a))
• Establishes exceptions to the prohibition for FAA-authorized operations, governmental entities using their own systems, owners of critical infrastructure using systems on their own property, model aircraft in public parks, and emergency management agencies conducting incident command, reconnaissance, or training. (W.S. 19-13-503(b))
• Sets penalties of up to six months imprisonment and $2,500 fine for first violations, and up to two years imprisonment and $5,000 fine for second or subsequent violations. (W.S. 19-13-503(c))
• Authorizes peace officers and law enforcement officials to take reasonable actions, including disabling, damaging, or removing unmanned aircraft systems in violation of the law. (W.S. 19-13-503(d))
• Authorizes the governor to order the Wyoming National Guard to assist in preventing or stopping violations of unmanned aircraft system restrictions. (W.S. 19-13-503(e), W.S. 19-9-207(a))
• Defines critical system to include petroleum refineries, chemical and rubber facilities, water treatment systems, electric generation and transmission facilities, natural gas distribution facilities, railroad infrastructure, courts, emergency facilities, correctional facilities, military installations, and hospitals receiving air ambulance services. (W.S. 19-13-501(a)(vi))
• Defines model aircraft and unmanned aircraft system by reference to federal aviation authority definitions and existing Wyoming statute. (W.S. 19-13-501(a)(vii), W.S. 19-13-501(a)(viii))
• Adds a misdemeanor penalty for operating unmanned aircraft in a manner not lawful under existing low or dangerous flight statutes, with imprisonment not to exceed six months and fine not to exceed $750.