CS/CS/CS/SB 1422, a bill to expand criminal penalties for the operation or modification of unmanned aircraft systems over critical infrastructure, was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Rules after a contentious amendment debate on what counts as permissible force against a drone.

Supporters said the measure tightens protections for critical sites by raising penalties — including creating a first-degree felony when an unmanned aircraft carries a weapon of mass destruction — and by banning possession or modification of drones equipped with firearms or explosives. Senator Trunow, the bill sponsor, told the committee SB 1422 "seeks to work on unmanned aircraft operation of drones over critical infrastructure facilities" and to strengthen rules around damage to property and public safety.

The committee considered a late-file amendment from Senator Pizzo that sought to remove language that could be read as authorizing people to shoot down drones. Pizzo argued federal law already criminalizes damaging aircraft and worried the bill would create a public impression that people may take shots at drones: "I don't want anyone to get to the presumption that they can go and just shoot things down from the air," he said, noting 18 U.S.C. § 32 criminalizes destruction of aircraft and carries substantial federal penalties.

Senators pressed on federal jurisdiction, airspace ownership and the 400-foot rule during debate. Senator Martin asked whether property owners control airspace under 400 feet; Pizzo and others cautioned the issue overlaps federal statutes and special aircraft jurisdiction under title 49 U.S.C. The sponsor, and supporters, said the amendment was intended mainly as a public-safety clarification and to work with federal partners if needed.

Senator Trudeau, closing debate for the bill, said the measure "strengthens the rules around drones to make sure that personal property and damage to infrastructures is upheld." After a roll call in committee, the committee reported CS/CS/CS/SB 1422 favorably.

The bill drew no recorded public-appearance forms at the Rules hearing. The transcript shows committee members pressed the sponsor and amendment author on federal preemption and on whether the language might encourage private individuals to use firearms against drones; the amendment from Senator Pizzo ultimately failed in committee before the bill passed out.

What’s next: CS/CS/CS/SB 1422 advances from the Rules Committee with a favorable report; the bill’s text and any subsequent floor amendments will determine whether the federal preemption questions raised in committee are further addressed.