HB 5327 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Crimes: trespassing; downing of a trespassing drone; allow. Amends sec. 22 of 2016 PA 436 (MCL 259.322).

HB 5327 amends Michigan's drone law to prohibit specific drone uses that violate privacy or safety. It bans operating drones to harass people (as defined by existing harassment laws), capture private images in violation of privacy expectations, follow or photograph individuals (especially for sex offenders under registration requirements), or disturb quiet enjoyment of private homes. The bill directly affects all drone operators, with additional restrictions for sex offenders. Key mechanisms include expanding existing drone restrictions to cover harassment, privacy invasions, and proximity to restraining orders. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Dec 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Dec 2, 2025 Last action May 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

House Introduced Bill → Substitute (H-3) · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add specific exemptions for telecommunications providers operating drones to inspect or repair infrastructure on private property. It also updated the definition of 'telecommunications provider' and added a new subsection clarifying that the bill does not apply if the property owner gives consent.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed by adding exceptions for utility work and owner consent, preventing these specific drone operations from being considered violations.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new exemption allowing telecommunications providers to fly drones between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM for up to 60 minutes to inspect, maintain, or repair their service facilities.

Added a new exemption stating that the bill does not apply if the owner or occupant of a private dwelling gives consent for the drone operation.

Revised the privacy exemption for sex offenders to include a specific reference to MCL 28.730 regarding sentence prohibitions.

DEFINITION

Expanded the definition of 'telecommunications provider' to explicitly include businesses regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

substitute (H-3) adopted

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Committee

referred to second reading

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

reported with recommendation with substitute (H-3)

lower

Dec 2, 2025

Committee

referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

lower

Dec 2, 2025

Introduced

introduced by Representative Rep. Peter Herzberg

lower

1 primary · 27 co-sponsors