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Oregon Senate Clarifies Rules For Drones

Chris Lehman
/
Northwest News Network

The Oregon Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would make exceptions for the use of drones.

In Oregon, drones are not allowed to fly over private property. Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Democrat from Eugene, said HB 3047 also aims to keep unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, from being used as weapons. But, he said the bill also recognizes the importance of UAVs in scientific research. 



“OSU—during their presentation as to the type of research that they’re involved on included their maritime school and their ability to actually be able to track whales through migration for multiple purposes,” Prozanski said. 



According to the bill, if you don’t work in law enforcement, or for a state-accredited university, you’ll have to to notify Oregon’s Department of Aviation, the State Police and any other permitting agency at least five days in advance if you want to fly a drone for purposes other than recreation.

You’ll also have to carry liability insurance for no less than $1 million.

Copyright 2017 Northwest News Network

Emily Schwing
Emily Schwing comes to the Inland Northwest by way of Alaska, where she covered social and environmental issues with an Arctic spin as well as natural resource development, wildlife management and Alaska Native issues for nearly a decade. Her work has been heard on National Public Radio’s programs like “Morning Edition” and “All things Considered.” She has also filed for Public Radio International’s “The World,” American Public Media’s “Marketplace,” and various programs produced by the BBC and the CBC. She has also filed stories for Scientific American, Al Jazeera America and Arctic Deeply.