House Bill 429 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Neil RaffertyRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Crimes and offenses; unmanned aircraft systems, operation near ticketed entertainment events prohibited

Summary

HB429 would ban operating a drone within 400 feet of a ticketed entertainment event in Alabama, with penalties and specific exemptions.

What This Bill Does

It makes it unlawful to operate an unmanned aircraft system within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event. Violations can carry a fine of up to $500 for the first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense. The bill lists exemptions that allow certain drone operations, such as with consent from event authorities, when federal regulations authorize the operation, or when operations are conducted by employees of the event venue, utility providers, or private-property owners under specific limits.

Who It Affects

• Drone operators or owners who operate near ticketed events and could face fines or misdemeanor penalties if they violate the rule.
• Event venues, property owners, and their staff who may either need to obtain consent or fall under the exemptions that permit certain drone use.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition: Unmanned aircraft systems may not be operated within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event.
• Penalties: First violation up to $500; second or subsequent violation is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Exemptions: Permitted under conditions such as consent from authorities, federal authorization, official business by event or utility employees, or private-property operation above land not for commercial purposes, among others.
• Effective date: The act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses