The Drone Federalism Act would shift regulation to state and local governments

This story was originally published on flyingmag.com The Wild West of drone regulation as we know it may soon cease to exist. If lawmakers have their way, state and local governments--including Native American tribal authorities--could soon have the power to regulate the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems as they see fit. At least, that's what a group of Democratic and Republican members of Congress are pitching as the Drone Federalism Act. The biggest takeaway from the bill is a provision that allows state, local and Native American tribal authorities to regulate how hobbyists and businesses can operate their drones below 200 feet and within 200 feet of a structure, with the option to seek assistance from the FAA. "State, local, and tribal governments have a legitimate interest in protecting public safety and privacy from the misuse of drones," Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said in a statement.