by AUVSI Advocacy
Rhode Island lawmakers have established a special commission to study and recommend potential laws, rules or regulations for operating unmanned aircraft systems in the state.
The Special Legislative Commission to Study and Review Regulation of Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is comprised of 11 members from state and local governments, higher education, and industry, including a representative from AUVSI.
The commission held an organizational meeting last week and selected Reps. Stephen Ucci and Arthur Corvese to serve as co-chairs.
Rep. Ucci said the panel will examine the variety of possible UAS applications in the state. He told WJAR-TV, “We have to look at other things, the privacy interests of people, the trespassing concern. It's not who's flying it, but how are they flying it."
The panel’s next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the Rhode Island State House in Providence. It will report its findings and recommendations to the state’s House of Representatives when the next legislative session convenes in January.