SB 49-FN (2026): relative to the unlawful operation or use of unmanned aircraft systems.

SB 49-FN (2026)

relative to the unlawful operation or use of unmanned aircraft systems.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Crimes, Criminal Procedure and Corrections
• Chapter law: 6

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 28, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2025-0754s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-0754s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 13, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On March 13, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 27, 2025 and was referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 9, 2025, with 6 people signed in online: 3 in support and 3 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 23, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee retained the bill, holding it for further work rather than reporting it out this year. The committee met in executive session on October 22, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee held a work session on October 22, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 16–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-3024h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-3024h) was adopted on a voice vote on January 7, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On January 7, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On February 5, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Bill Gannon. On February 5, 2026 the Senate adopted “Special Order to the Present Time, Without Objection”. The bill was enrolled on March 11, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on March 20, 2026, making it Chapter 6 of the session laws. It took effect on May 19, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Terry Roy (R - Rock 31)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 28, 2025, 1:00 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• March 13, 2025: consent calendar, Senate
• April 9, 2025, 2:00 PM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204
• April 23, 2025, 11:00 AM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204
• October 22, 2025, 10:00 AM: full committee work session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 230
• October 22, 2025, 1:00 PM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 230
• January 7, 2026: floor debate, House
• February 5, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 13, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-0754s — voice vote, passed
• January 7, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-3024h — voice vote, passed
• February 5, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 644:23

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 7
• SC 12
• HC 51, page 7
• HJ 1, page 48
• SJ 6
• HJ 7