Texas law struck down in federal court Author: Bridger Hawkinson A federal judge, Robert Pitman, has declared a Texas drone law, known as Chapter 423 of the Texas Government Code, unconstitutional for violating the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech and the press. This law was challenged by the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), the Texas Press Association (TPA), and three Texas-based photojournalists, who argued that it improperly banned the use of drones for news reporting. Although the law had exceptions for surveying, real estate work, and academic research, there was no exception for news reporting. The law aimed to limit the use of drones to collect images of private property or for surveillance. Judge Pitman concluded that Chapter 423 was a content-based restriction that was impermissible under the First Amendment and could not be enforced by any government or police entity. The judge also took issue with the law's "no-fly" pro...

Belle Plaine Mayor Addresses Drone Problems and City Strategy in July Newsletter October 11th, 2023 Author: Bridger Hawkinson In a recent July newsletter, Belle Plaine Mayor Dave Fish addressed the growing concerns regarding drone-related issues within the city. The mayor's statement shed light on the challenges Belle Plaine faces with local drone pilots and emphasized the need for cooperation from both citizens and relevant federal agencies to address the situation effectively. Mayor Dave Fish began by acknowledging the existence of drone-related problems within the city. These problems, he noted, are primarily linked to the activities of local drone pilots. However, the mayor pointed out that the complexity of the issue is closely tied to federal regulations and guidelines governing drone operations, which poses limitations on what can be addressed within city code. The mayor expressed the city's commitment to finding a solution to these issues and disclosed ongoing...