§ 6-1-4 — Unmanned aircraft system defined; preemption for unmanned aircraft systems; operations

(a) (1) As used in this Code section, the term "unmanned aircraft system" means a powered, aerial vehicle that: (A) Does not carry a human operator and is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft; (B) Uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift; (C) Can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely; and (D) Can be expendable or recoverable. (2) Such term shall not include a satellite. (b) Any ordinance, resolution, regulation, or policy of any county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state regulating the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems shall be deemed preempted and shall be null, void, and of no force and effect; provided, however, that a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state may: (1) Enforce any ordinance that was adopted on or before April 1, 2017; (2) Adopt an ordinance that enforces Federal Aviation Administration restrictions; or (3) Adopt an ordinance that provides for or prohibits the launch or intentional landing of an unmanned aircraft system from or on its public property except with respect to the operation of an unmanned aircraft system for commercial purposes. (c) The state, through agency or departmental rules and regulations, may provide for or prohibit the launch or intentional landing of an unmanned aircraft system from or on its public property.

Legislative History

Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 268,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.