SB 2543

ON APRIL 6, 2026, THE HOUSE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 2368, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 rewrites the bill to, instead, create a Class A misdemeanor offense when a person operates an unmanned aircraft within 400' of or above a ticketed entertainment event. A Class A misdemeanor offense is punishable by up to 11 months, 29 days in prison, a fine up to $2,500, or both. A "ticketed entertainment event"" is any music, sporting, or performing arts event held in a location with gated entries or barriers that prevent access to the general public and in which a ticket that has been iss ue d by an owner, operator, or lessee of such property is required for attendance at such event. This amendment exempts from such offense a person who operates an unmanned aircraft and meets any of the following criteria:  Has obtained consent by any person with legal authority over a ticketed entertainment event.  Is authorized by the federal aviation administration to operate an unmanned aircraft and is operating the unmanned aircraft in a lawful manner and consistent with federal regulations.  Is an employee of the property where the ticketed entertainment event is held and is conducting official business.  Is an employee of a water, sewer, electrical, telephone, cable, or other regulated utility service provider and is conducting official business.  Is a law enforcement officer engaged in the actual discharge of official duties.  Is a member or employee of any branch of the United States armed forces or the military forces of this state engaged in the actual discharge of official duties.  Is an emergency management officer of this state or of any city, town, municipality, metropolitan government, or county of this state engaged in the actual discharge of official duties.  Is an owner of private property who is operating an unmanned aircraft above such property if the operation is (i) consistent with federal regulations; (ii) not for the purpose of interfering in any way with a ticketed entertainment event; and (iii) not to surveille or capture images of security procedures for unlawful purposes."