SB 519 · 2026 · Senate · Judiciary Committee
Drone privacy violation penalties
AI-generatedrelative to the use of unmanned aerial systems.
Establishes a civil cause of action and criminal penalty for using unmanned aerial systems in ways that violate a reasonable expectation of privacy, subject to certain exceptions.AI-generated
Status
Referred to interim study (House) · April 23, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✓Senate
- ✕House
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill establishes a civil cause of action and a criminal penalty for the use of unmanned aerial systems for certain purposes that violate a reasonable expectation of privacy, subject to certain exceptions.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
In the bill's words
Quoted verbatim from the bill as amended by the Senate. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site
“"Imaging device" means any technology capable of recording or transmitting images, sound, or data.”
“Neither the state, or any political subdivision thereof, nor any person, shall operate a small unmanned aircraft system that includes an imaging device to conduct surveillance over private property without written consent from the property owner, in any situation where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists.”
“Each property owner shall be notified that the surveillance prohibited by RSA 507-J:2 may occur and that the property owner may opt out of that surveillance without cost or other consequence;”
“A person alleging a violation of RSA 507-J:2 may bring an action for compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive relief.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
Public testimony
Votes
yeanay- Mar 12, 2026SenateCommittee report: Ought to Pass5–0Overall100% yea
- Resulting text: Bill as amended by the Senate
- Apr 8, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Refer for Interim Study18–0Overall100% yea
- Apr 23, 2026HouseVoice voteRefer for Interim Studyadopted
Hearings and debates
- Jan 8, 2026Public hearingSenate Judiciary43:36–47:494m 13slocated in the stream transcriptHearing
- Mar 12, 2026Floor debateSenate floor3:21:36–3:26:154m 39slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Ought to Pass; Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1084s — adopted, voice vote; Sen. Reardon Floor Amendment # 2026-1084s — adopted, voice vote
- Mar 25, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary31:52–33:221m 30slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
- Apr 23, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamRefer for Interim Study — adopted, voice vote
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 1
- Jan 8, 2026SenHearing: 01/08/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:00 pm; SC 47
- Mar 12, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 03/12/2026, Vote 5-0; SC 9
- Mar 12, 2026SenSen. Reardon Floor Amendment # 2026-1084s, AA, VV; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
- Mar 12, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-1084s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
- Mar 12, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 8 P. 114
- Mar 25, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 03/25/2026 09:30 am GP 230
- Apr 8, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/08/2026 10:30 am GP 230
- Apr 8, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Refer for Interim Study 04/08/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC)
- Apr 23, 2026HouseRefer for Interim Study: MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 10
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.