Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; flying over or trespassing on a key facility or critical infrastructure with an unmanned aircraft or vehicle; prohibit. Amends sec. 45a of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.45a).
Key claim: HB5319 would prohibit flying an unmanned aircraft over, or otherwise trespassing on, a key facility or critical infrastructure in Michigan.
Abstract
(HB5319 · 103rd Legislature) Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; flying over or trespassing on a key facility or critical infrastructure with an unmanned aircraft or vehicle; prohibit. Amends sec. 45a of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.45a). Sponsor: Rep. William Bruck ® + 27 co-sponsors Latest vote: Reported With Recommendation With Substitute H-3 — 11-2 (passed, 2026-03-10) Latest action (2026-05-12): Placed On Third Reading
Why this matters
Michigan’s key-facility statutes shield bridges, energy sites, and other critical infrastructure from trespass, and legislators have been steadily broadening both the list of protected sites (e.g., the Mackinac Bridge) and the conduct that counts as trespass. Adding unmanned aircraft to sec. 45a would close an enforcement gap as drones become a more common means of surveilling or disrupting infrastructure.