Georgia HB58: Aviation; adoption of local ordinances, resolution, regulations, or policies that restrict the flight of unmanned aircraft systems over mass public gatherings; authorize

What the bill says

To amend Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to aviation, so as to authorize the adoption of local ordinances, resolutions, regulations, or policies that restrict the flight of unmanned aircraft systems over mass public gatherings; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to aviation, so as to authorize the adoption of local ordinances, resolutions, regulations, or policies that restrict the flight of unmanned aircraft systems over mass public gatherings; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to aviation, is amended by revising Code Section 6-1-4, relating to unmanned aircraft system defined, preemption for unmanned aircraft systems, and operations, as follows: "6-1-4. (a)(1) As used in this Code section, the term 'unmanned: (1) 'Flight' means the operation of an unmanned aircraft system at or below 400 feet above ground level. (2) 'Mass public gathering' means any event held outdoors or in a semienclosed structure which is likely to attract 500 or more persons and to continue for 30 minutes or more. H. B. LC 39 4420 (3) 'Unmanned aircraft system' means a: (A) A powered, aerial vehicle that: (A)(i) Does not carry a human operator and is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft; …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Matt Brass (R, 6) · primary sponsor
• Gary Richardson (R, 125) · primary sponsor
• Rob Leverett (R, 123)
• Brad Thomas (R, HD-021)
• Rob Clifton (R, 131)
• Clinton Crowe (R, 118)
• Mark Newton (R, 127)

Latest actions

1. April 1, 2025: Act 4
2. April 1, 2025: Effective Date
3. April 1, 2025: House Date Signed by Governor
4. April 1, 2025: House Sent to Governor
5. March 31, 2025: Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub
6. March 27, 2025: House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub As Amended
7. March 21, 2025: Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
8. March 21, 2025: Senate Third Read
9. March 20, 2025: Senate Read Second Time
10. March 18, 2025: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

Votes

• Senate Vote #362 (March 31, 2025): 54 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Vote #361 (March 31, 2025): 12 yea, 41 nay, failed
• House Vote #328 (March 27, 2025): 162 yea, 1 nay, passed
• Senate Vote #267 (March 21, 2025): 53 yea, 2 nay, passed
• House Vote #60 (February 21, 2025): 153 yea, 4 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB58?

HB58 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Aviation; adoption of local ordinances, resolution, regulations, or policies that restrict the flight of unmanned aircraft systems over mass public gatherings; authorize.

What does HB58 do?

In its own words: To amend Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to aviation, so as to authorize the adoption of local ordinances, resolutions, regulations, or policies that restrict the flight of unmanned aircraft systems over mass public gatherings; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB58?

Signed into law as of April 1, 2025. Latest action: Act 4 (April 1, 2025).

Who sponsored HB58?

Matt Brass (R, 6), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB58?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69356