Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; adoption of federal safety regulations; provide for. Creates new act.
Key claim: Senate Bill 1165 would create a new Michigan law adopting federal safety regulations for drones (unmanned aircraft systems).
Abstract
(SB1165 · 103rd Legislature) Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; adoption of federal safety regulations; provide for. Creates new act. Sponsor: Sen. Joseph Bellino ® + 1 co-sponsor In committee: S Transportation And Infrastructure Latest action (2026-09-10): Referred To Committee On Transportation And Infrastructure
Why this matters
Michigan currently regulates drones through a patchwork of state statutes covering trespass, critical infrastructure, and government procurement, while operational safety rules sit at the federal (FAA) level. Explicitly adopting federal UAS safety regulations into state law would give state and local authorities a domestic enforcement hook for rules previously enforceable only federally, shaping how the state’s broader drone framework fits together.