With drone ownership becoming more common among private citizens, several Georgia legislators are looking to pass a bill to prevent issues such as invasions of privacy from developing.

House Bill 779 is cosponsored by state Rep. Eddie Lumsden, R-Armu­chee. It defines what drone operators can and can’t do with their unmanned aircraft.

Lumsden said Wednesday that it is the Federal Aviation Administration’s responsibility to protect other aerial vehicles, but there are no laws protecting private citizens from actions that drone operators take.

The bill, if passed, would prohibit operators from taking pictures or recording sound on private property or any other place “where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.”

It also would prevent police from using a drone to collect incriminating evidence without a warrant, Lumsden said.

Pictures and sound recordings would be allowed by the military during an operation or exercise, utility companies looking at power lines or other equivalents, law enforcement during natural disasters and for some real estate purposes.

Additionally, the bill would forbid drone operators from harassing motorists on roadways, Lumsden said, or interfering with emergency responders.

There’s also a provision to prevent hunting with drones and to prevent others from interfering with people who are legally hunting.

While there aren’t any reports of hunting issues in Georgia, Lumsden said it has happened in other parts of the country.

Lumsden said drones also have the potential for terroristic use, so part of the bill prohibits selling, transporting, manufacturing, possessing or operating one that is equipped with a weapon.

Violators would face felony charges with penalties of up to three years in prison and a fine of $100,000.

It is a challenge to keep up with technology, Lumsden said, but he described the legislation as “a good first step” to protect privacy rights.

Drones that weigh more than half a pound must be registered online with the FAA. The weight includes any additions to the vehicle, such as cameras.

Drones heavier than 55 pounds have to be registered with the FAA by paper.

If a person is caught with an unregistered drone, they can face civil charges and fees up to $27,500 and criminal charges with up to three years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/news/local/lumsden-co-sponsors-bill-to-regulate-drone-mounted-cameras-amid/article_de97d41c-c014-11e5-8782-b3556142b232.html