Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; database of restricted zones and flight paths for unmanned vehicles; create and provide penalties for using unmanned vehicles in a restricted zone or flight path. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5321’25
Key claim: Michigan would create a state database of restricted zones and flight paths for unmanned aircraft and impose penalties for flying drones in those zones, via a new act tie-barred to HB 5321.
Abstract
(HB5321 · 103rd Legislature) Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; database of restricted zones and flight paths for unmanned vehicles; create and provide penalties for using unmanned vehicles in a restricted zone or flight path. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5321’25 Sponsor: Rep. Luke Meerman ® + 27 co-sponsors Latest vote: Reported With Recommendation With Substitute H-3 — 10-5 (passed, 2026-03-10) Latest action (2026-05-12): Placed On Third Reading
Why this matters
This bill would move Michigan from site-specific criminal trespass enforcement (sec. 45a key facilities) toward an affirmative, list-based UAS airspace regime — a state database that operators would be expected to consult before flying. If enacted, it would create a new locus of infrastructure regulation covering any facility or corridor added to the database, with penalties defined outside the penal code.