Michigan State Rep. William Bruck is has proposed a new bill package to establish a framework for drone use in Michigan.
Bruck says the Securing Homeland & Infrastructure with Emerging Laws for Drones bill package (known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Michigan) has bipartisan support and would balance innovation with accountability.
The plans would provide law enforcement with more capability to protect against unauthorised drone access, ramp up geofencing technology, prohibit state and local public entities from purchasing or using drones with components manufactured by companies of concern as defined by federal standards, and establish restrictions prohibiting drones from flying near key facilities like power plants, correctional institutions and law enforcement buildings.
More than 1 million drones are registered with the nationwide Federal Aviation Administration. However, the S.H.I.E.L.D. Michigan bills would establish a drone registry which would be administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Bruck said this would “protect private property rights by prohibiting drone operators from trespassing over private property without consent.”
Michigan has moved to enact some drone-related laws in recent years, such as making it illegal to interfere with emergency responders using drones.
In July, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced an executive order to establish the Michigan Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Initiative to scale Michigan’s AAM capabilities and ensure safe and efficient integration across public and private sectors.
Four new projects will share USD 4.1 million in total funding to address critical delivery needs in healthcare, emergency services and the automotive industry while also advancing academic research in the area.
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Image: Bruck announces the S.H.I.E.L.D. proposals (Michigan House Republicans)
