Wisconsin Senate Bill SB519

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/9/25
• Refer: 10/9/25
• Report Pass: 3/12/26
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to renumber and amend 114.045 (1) and 114.045 (3); to amend 114.045 (2); to create 114.045 (1b), 114.045 (1m) (b) and 114.045 (3) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: the operation of drones over school property and providing a penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB519 will amend existing statutes to explicitly include schools in the restrictions placed on drone operations, thereby enhancing current public safety measures. The bill also delineates specific situations under which exceptions can be made, such as when authorized by law enforcement for legitimate operational needs, like search and rescue missions or preventing imminent danger. This could potentially create a framework for law enforcement agencies to utilize drones effectively while balancing operational needs against the necessity of maintaining safety around educational institutions.

Summary

Senate Bill 519 (SB519) seeks to regulate the operation of drones over school property in Wisconsin. The bill establishes that no person may operate a drone over public, private, or tribal school property without express authorization from the relevant school board or governing authority. This is in line with existing regulations that prohibit drone operations over correctional institutions, thus extending similar protections to school environments. The intent is to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and staff by mitigating potential risks associated with unauthorized drone flights.

Conclusion

Overall, SB519 represents a proactive step towards bolstering safety around educational institutions through the regulation of drone usage. The balance between maintaining security and encouraging innovation in educational settings will be crucial in the discussions as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Contention

While the bill aims to increase security around schools, there are points of contention concerning the implications of such regulations. Critics may argue that overly stringent drone restrictions could impede technological advancements in educational settings, such as the use of drones for learning or school events. Additionally, there may be concerns from civil liberties advocates regarding the extent to which law enforcement can utilize drone surveillance over school properties, especially relating to privacy issues.