Fresh from a previous bill that would decentralize drone regulations, a new bipartisan bill presented to the House of Representatives Monday proposes that state and local governments be allowed to make their own laws on drones flying within their jurisdictions.

The Drone Innovation Act, H.R 2930, put forward by Republican Congressman Jason Lewis (pictured) with support from fellow Republican Todd Rokita along with Democratic representatives Julia Brownley and John Garamendi, seeks to to balance “the principles of local control and a right to privacy with a need to continue encouraging American innovation in cutting-edge technology.” Put more simply, it allows local authorities to make their own drone laws.

“It’s clear to me that drones have a growing role to play in interstate commerce and that’s vital to maintaining our economic strength at home and competitiveness on the world stage,” Lewis said in a statement. “The Drone Innovation Act will promote that spirit of invention by establishing a clear framework for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems.”

Lewis added that the legislation also lays out clear protections for an individual’s right to privacy, which might potentially contradict the premise that local authorities should be able to establish their own rules for drones.

Other parts of the bill aim to harmonize and standardize in a “reasonable time, manner, and place” limitations and restrictions across the nation. The aim is to create an environment that is friendly to innovation and fosters rapid integration of drones and to aid states in adopting unmanned traffic management.

Like the previously proposed Drone Federalism Act, the newly proposed legislation would apply to drones flying up to 200 feet above ground level within a state, local or tribal government’s jurisdiction, with the Federal Aviation Administration retaining control over the national airspace. In addition, the bill directs the secretary of transportation to work with state and local officials to develop a framework for local operation.

“Congress needs to do more to spur innovation in this exciting new field of aviation, while at the same time promoting the safe integration of unmanned systems into the national airspace,” Lewis concluded.

Here’s a copy of the proposed act:

Drone Innovation Act – As Introduced w One Technical Correction on Page … by Duncan Riley on Scribd

Photo: Jason Lewis