Protecting critical infrastructure and systems from drones.
SF0132 creates a new Wyoming law prohibiting the operation or use of unmanned aircraft systems, including drones and model aircraft, over or near defined “critical infrastructure” and “critical systems” when the flight is intended to photograph the facility, loiter over it, or further another crime. It also bars drones carrying explosives from operating over or near those sites, with exceptions for law enforcement and the military acting lawfully.
The bill defines “critical system” broadly to include petroleum, chemical, water, electric, communications, natural gas, railroad, court, jail, military, hospital, mining, and other facilities, and allows the governor to designate additional critical infrastructure or systems. It exempts FAA-authorized operations, government-owned drones, use by owners or their agents on their own facilities, emergency response uses, and private landowners operating on their own property. The act takes effect immediately.
The bill adds a new article to Wyoming law protecting critical infrastructure from drone activity and amends related statutes governing low or dangerous flight, gubernatorial authority over the militia/national guard, and statutory definitions. It increases penalties for violations of the new drone restrictions to a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for repeat offenses, and it authorizes peace officers, law enforcement, and potentially the Wyoming National Guard to take reasonable actions to stop unlawful drone operations, including disabling, damaging, or removing the aircraft. It also directs the attorney general to defend officials and guard members involved in those actions.
The bill appears to have broad overall support for its public-safety and infrastructure-protection goals, as reflected by strong committee recommendations and passage in both chambers. However, the voting history also shows some resistance, including failed House amendments and a notable number of no votes on final passage and on the veto override, suggesting concerns about scope, enforcement authority, or the breadth of the restrictions. The final outcome indicates the Legislature ultimately favored the measure despite those objections.
The main points of contention appear to have been the breadth of the prohibited areas and the enforcement powers granted to officials. The bill allows law enforcement to disable, damage, or remove drones and authorizes the governor to call on the Wyoming National Guard, which may have raised concerns about property damage, civil liability, and the use of military resources in civilian enforcement. The failed House amendments and the split votes on final passage and veto override suggest some lawmakers wanted to narrow or alter those provisions, while supporters emphasized protecting critical infrastructure from surveillance, disruption, and explosive threats.