Protecting Critical Infrastructure from Drones
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Bill Summary - 25LSO-0684 Bill No.: SF0132 Effective: Immediately LSO No.: 25LSO-0684 Enrolled Act No.: SEA No. 0058 Chapter No.: 112 Prime Sponsor: Jones Catch Title: Protecting critical infrastructure and systems from drones. Has Report: No Subject: Prohibiting the use of unmanned aircraft systems over critical infrastructure. Summary/Major Elements: This act prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aircraft systems (including those with explosives) over critical infrastructure or a critical system to photograph the critical infrastructure or system, loiter over critical infrastructure, or to commit a crime. For purposes of this act, critical systems include petroleum and chemical facilities, water facilities, electric generation facilities, railroads, public safety facilities, correctional facilities, military installations, mines, and hospitals. Current law provides that critical infrastructure is any property or system that is vital to the security, health, and safety of the United States. The prohibitions in this act do not apply to persons authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, governmental entities, law enforcement and emergency personnel, a private landowner, and the owner of the critical infrastructure. This act provides that a person who violates the prohibitions established in this act are guilty of a misdemeanor (for a first offense) or a felony (for a second or subsequent offense). The act authorizes peace officers and law enforcement to take or authorize the use of reasonable actions to prevent or stop the use of unmanned aircraft systems or model aircrafts that are violating the prohibitions established in this act. The act authorizes the Governor to order the Wyoming National Guard to assist in taking or using reasonable actions to prevent or stop unmanned aircraft systems that are violating this act. The act requires the Wyoming Attorney General to represent the Wyoming National Guard and law enforcement in litigation associated with their actions in enforcing this act. Comments: The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto of this act. The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent. While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 5, 8:07 AM
R · S02
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the override because they believe the practical tools provided to law enforcement for prosecution outweigh concerns about shooting down drones, which are unlikely to happen.
R · S04
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the override because they believe state statutes cannot authorize actions that violate federal law, specifically regarding shooting down drones without FAA data.
R · S26
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker states they are neither for nor against, noting that many issues regarding the drones remain undiscovered and require further answers.
R · S25
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the override again, arguing that authorizing the National Guard to shoot down objects violates federal-military relationships and is not an act of war.
R · S12
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports giving law enforcement flexibility to take action against weaponized drones, citing the need for a statutory mechanism to protect public safety.
R · S11
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the override by emphasizing that the bill's language authorizes reasonable actions to prevent drone use rather than explicitly mandating shooting them down.
R · S13
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the override as a necessary step to give communities power to watch and act against unidentified large drones threatening critical infrastructure.
R · S13
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports concurrence because changes made by the House maintain the bill's integrity, address an immediate need for protection, and add legal safeguards for law enforcement.
R · S11
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment to prohibit operating model aircraft with explosives near critical infrastructure, citing the lethal potential of small drones seen in recent conflicts.
If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.
Wyoming roll calls
9 roll calls
Official activity
Changes
11 stored
The amendment adds a new requirement for the attorney general to represent Wyoming National Guard members and law enforcement officials in legal cases that may arise from their actions under certain sections of the bill.
The amendment adds a new section to the bill that allocates five million dollars from the general fund for the Wyoming military department to purchase equipment to prevent or stop unauthorized drone use over critical infrastructure.
The amendment to SF0132H3001 changes the numbering of certain items in the bill text.
The amendment adds a provision to allocate $500,000 from the general fund to cover civil damages related to wrongful damage or confiscation of unmanned aircraft systems under the new act.
The amendment adds a new definition that allows the governor to designate any other facility or property as critical infrastructure or a critical system.
The amendment adds a new reason why someone might not be allowed to fly drones over certain areas and changes when a part of the law will take effect.
The amendment changes the effective date of the bill from July 1, 2025, to immediately after all necessary acts for a bill to become law are completed.
The amendment adds a new reason for prohibiting the use of unmanned aircraft systems, specifically to prevent harassment of wildlife or livestock.
The amendment adds a new section to the bill that prohibits people from using drones or model airplanes carrying explosive devices near critical infrastructure and systems, with exceptions for law enforcement and military operations.
The amendment modifies the bill to allow private landowners to use unmanned aircraft systems on their own property and adds definitions for mining and manufacturing facilities as critical infrastructure.
This amendment overrides the governor's veto of a bill that restricts drone usage over critical infrastructure and systems in Wyoming.