REQUIRE STATE NEGOTIATIONS FOR STATE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL AVIATION LAWS

House Bill 5118 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Michele Hoitenga

Committee:  Communications and Technology

Complete to 4-23-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5118 would amend the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (UASA) to require the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, Department of State Police, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force to negotiate an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow certain Michigan law enforcement personnel to enforce federal statutes and regulations relating to the operation of unmanned aircraft systems in Michigan.

More specifically, the bill would create a new section to require the Michigan Aeronautics Commission (created under the Michigan Aeronautics Code, MCL 259.26), Department of State Police, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force (created under the UASA, MCL 259.331)[1] to cooperate with each other and negotiate a memorandum of understanding or other agreement with the FAA. The agreement would be to allow the Department of State Police, local law enforcement agencies, and security personnel for ports, railroads, and airports in Michigan to enforce federal statutes and regulations relating to the operation of unmanned aircraft systems in Michigan.

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Proposed MCL 259.330

FISCAL IMPACT:

This bill would have no fiscal impact on the Department of State Police or local law enforcement agencies.

A representative of the Michigan Department of Transportation, Office of Aeronautics, indicated that the bill would have no fiscal impact on the department.

                                                                                         Legislative Analyst:   Emily S. Smith

                                                                                                Fiscal Analysts:   Kent Dell

                                                                                                                           William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.


[1] The task force currently comprises 27 members from various sectors and industries within Michigan, including one member from the Department of State Police (MCL 259.331(2)(c)).