In a step forward for federal regulation of drones, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) will introduce legislation that restricts drones from flying near airports and major public events.
Schumer wants to limit drones within two miles of airports and flights above 500 feet, as well as limiting their use near sporting events, parades, and sensitive military sites, according to the Washington Post.
Schumer will attach the regulations to a funding bill for the Federal Aviation Administration. He wants drones sold or operated in the United States to have built-in technology to enforce his restrictions, according to the Associated Press.
“Somebody could attach weaponry to them, or explosives,” Schumer said. “No one has yet, but sooner or later someone will think of that.”
Schumer has a long list of restrictions and bans he’s proposed, and his drone amendment is likely to succeed. States have picked up where the federal government hasn’t regulated drone usage, and Schumer’s amendment likely isn’t the last that will be proposed on a federal level.
