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 prohibits operating unmanned aircraft within 400 feet of or above ticketed entertainment events in Alabama, with fines and possible misdemeanor penalties and specific exemptions.

What This Bill Does

It would make it unlawful to operate an unmanned aircraft system within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event. A first violation carries a fine of up to $500; a second or later violation is a Class A misdemeanor. The bill defines what counts as a ticketed entertainment event and lists exemptions for certain operators and situations, including event consent, federal authorization, employees conducting official business, utility workers, private property owners, state or emergency agencies, and middle or high school sports events. The act would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Drone operators and other unmanned aircraft system pilots would be restricted from flying near ticketed events, with fines and potential misdemeanor penalties for violations.
• Event owners, venue operators, property owners, and their employees may operate within exemptions or with consent; otherwise they would be subject to the prohibition.
• Employees or volunteers of state agencies, law enforcement, fire departments, or emergency management performing official duties would be exempt when operating UAS in official work.
• Utility service providers and their personnel operating UAS for official purposes are exempt when acting within official duties.
• Owners of private property operating their own UAS over their property, in line with federal rules and not for commercial purposes, are exempt in certain non-interfering uses.
• Middle school or high school sports events are specifically referenced in the exemptions, meaning UAS operations near these events may be allowed under stated conditions.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits operating an unmanned aircraft system within 400 feet of or above a ticketed entertainment event.
• Violations carry a fine of up to $500 for the first offense and Class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense.
• Defines 'ticketed entertainment event' as events with gated access and a revocable license required to attend.
• Provides exemptions from the prohibition for specified categories, including consent, federal authorization, employees on official business, utilities, private property owners not for commercial use, state or emergency agency personnel, and middle/high school sports events.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses