South Carolina lawmakers are advancing a bill that would establish the state’s first comprehensive set of laws governing drone flight. The move comes as federal authorities increase enforcement and local agencies seek more power to address a rise in unauthorized or dangerous aerial activity.
Currently, South Carolina lacks a specific state-level framework to regulate where unmanned aircraft can and cannot fly. The proposed legislation seeks to close this gap by creating state laws that mirror Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, providing local police with the legal “teeth” to detain and prosecute pilots for nefarious or disruptive flights.
The bill defines specific “no-fly” zones to protect critical infrastructure and public safety. Under the proposed rules, it would be illegal to fly a drone:
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Within 1,000 feet of power plants or water treatment facilities.
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Within 1,500 feet of military bases and correctional institutions.
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Over private property if the flight is deemed a nuisance, invades privacy, or is used to harass individuals.
Violations would range from misdemeanors to felonies. The most severe charges are reserved for high-risk offenses, such as using drones to smuggle contraband into state prisons—a problem the South Carolina Department of Corrections reports is escalating. Recent interceptions have included drones attempting to deliver luxury food items and tobacco products to inmates.
The state-level push coincides with a federal “zero tolerance” policy for drones in restricted airspace, where federal fines can reach six figures. Supporters of the bill argue that while the FAA has oversight, local law enforcement needs the specific authority to act immediately when a drone poses a threat to the community.
The legislation is expected to clear the full committee this week, paving the way for a vote on the House floor. Advocates believe that as drone technology becomes more accessible, stronger regulations are essential to balance innovation with public safety and privacy.
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