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H0499

Rules for Drones Near Idaho Prisons

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 7:59 AM

In one sentence

This bill makes it illegal to fly drones within two nautical miles of correctional facilities and allows officials to stop or disable them if they suspect dangerous activity.

Defines 'mitigation measures' as actions like jamming signals to neutralize, intercept, disable, or disrupt a drone to prevent harmful activity.
Allows the Department of Correction or law enforcement to detect, track, identify, intercept, or capture drones near prisons if there is reasonable suspicion they are being used for illegal purposes.
Makes it unlawful to operate an unmanned aircraft system within two nautical miles of any correctional facility perimeter.
Sets penalties for violations including fines between $2,000 and $5,000, up to one year in prison, and the loss (forfeiture) of the drone.
Requires officials to post signs on nearby roads warning that the area is a 'Drone No Fly Zone.'
States that not knowing about the rule or location does not excuse someone from breaking it.

Officials must have reasonable suspicion that a drone is being used for harmful purposes before taking action to disable it.
The bill does not specify exactly how officials will determine if there is 'reasonable suspicion' of illegal activity.

Plain language

Mitigation measures: Actions taken to stop a drone, such as jamming its signal or physically capturing it, to prevent illegal activity.
Nefarious manner: Using a drone for an illegal, dangerous, or harmful purpose like spying, smuggling items into prison, or threatening safety.
Proximity: The area within two nautical miles from the farthest defined perimeter of a correctional facility.

Official record

Source attached

Drones, correctional facilities

Official activity