Relating to: operation of drones over certain utility facilities and providing a penalty.
SB 766 restricts drone operations near specific utility facilities by prohibiting flights under 300 feet within 500 feet of water reclamation plants, power facilities (including substations and gas stations), telecom sites, or public water systems. It allows exceptions for facility owners, local governments conducting official business, and commercial operators complying with federal aviation rules. The bill also requires law enforcement to seize drone footage during violations and transfer it to relevant local authorities for enforcement. This directly affects drone operators near these critical infrastructure sites, aiming to enhance security and prevent unauthorized surveillance.
Bill status
failed
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 12, 2025
Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
14
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Amendments
4
Mar 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Report adoption of Senate Amendment 2 recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1 recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0
upper
Jan 30, 2026
Introduced
Senate Amendment 2 offered by Senator Tomczyk
upper
Jan 16, 2026
Introduced
Senate Amendment 1 offered by Senator Tomczyk
upper
Dec 12, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Senators Tomczyk and James;
cosponsored by Representatives Donovan, Dittrich, Goodwin, Knodl, Maxey, Melotik, Murphy, Novak, O'Connor, Penterman, Sinicki, Tittl and Wichgers
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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