Public Act 099-0392
 
SB0044 EnrolledLRB099 02771 RJF 22779 b


  
    AN ACT concerning wildlife.
  
 
    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
 
represented in the General Assembly:
  
 
 
    Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the 
Unmanned Aerial System Oversight Task Force Act.
  
 
    Section 5. Purpose.  The use of drones is becoming more 
common in everyday applications both commercially and 
privately.  It is clear that increased drone use creates 
emerging conflicts and challenges to providing guidance into 
the safe operation of drones, while not infringing upon the 
constitutional rights of others. It is necessary to establish a 
task force to provide oversight and input in creating 
comprehensive laws and rules for the operation and use of drone 
technology within this State, subject to federal oversight and 
regulation.
 
    Section 10. Definitions.

 As used in this Act:
    "Task Force" means the Unmanned Aerial System Oversight 
Task Force.


    "Unmanned Aerial System" or "UAS" means an unmanned aerial 
vehicle or drone.

 
    Section 15. The Unmanned Aerial System Task Force.

      
    (a)   There is hereby created the Unmanned Aerial System 
Oversight Task Force to study and make recommendations for the 
operation, usage, and regulation of Unmanned Aerial Systems, 
commonly referred to as "drone" technology, within this State.
     
    (b)   Within 90 days after the effective date of this Act  
members of the Task Force shall be appointed by the Governor 
and shall consist of one member from each of the following 
agencies or interest groups:
   
        (1)   a member of the Division of Aeronautics of the 
    Department of Transportation, nominated by the Secretary 
    of Transportation;

        (2)   a member of the Department of State Police, 
    nominated by the Director of State Police;

        (3)   a Conservation Police officer of the Department of 
    Natural Resources, nominated by the Director of Natural 
    Resources;

        (4)   a member of the Department of Agriculture, 
    nominated by the Director of Agriculture;

        (5)   a member of the Department of Commerce and Economic 
    Opportunity, nominated by the Director of Commerce and 
    Economic Opportunity;

        (6)   a UAS technical commercial representative;

        (7)   a UAS manufacturing industry representative;

        (8)   a person nominated by the Attorney General;

        (9)   a member of the Illinois Conservation Police Lodge, 
    nominated by the president of the Lodge;

        (10)   a member of a statewide sportsmen's federation, 
    nominated by the president of the federation;

        (11)   a member of a statewide agricultural association, 
    nominated by the president of the association; 
        (12)   a member of a statewide commerce association, 
    nominated by the president or executive director of the 
    association;
   
        (13)   a person nominated by an electric utility company 
    serving retail customers in this State; 
        (14) a member of the Illinois National Guard, nominated 
    by the Adjutant General;
        (15)   a member of a statewide retail association, 
    nominated by the president of the association;
   
        (16)   a member of a statewide manufacturing trade 
    association, nominated by the president or chief executive 
    officer of the association;
        (17)   a member of a statewide property and casualty 
    insurance association, nominated by the president or chief 
    executive officer of the association;
        (18) a member of a statewide association representing 
    real estate brokers licensed in this State, nominated by 
    the president of the association;
        (19) a member of a statewide surveying association, 
    nominated by the president of the association;
   
        (20) a law enforcement official from a municipality 
    with a population of 2 million or more inhabitants, 
    nominated by the mayor of the municipality;
   
        (21) a law enforcement official from a municipality 
    with a population of less than 2 million inhabitants, 
    nominated by a statewide police chiefs association; and
        (22) a member of a statewide freight railroad 
    association, nominated by the president of the 
    association.
    (c)   Nominations to the Task Force must be submitted to the 
Governor within 60 days of the effective date of this Act. The 
Governor shall make the appointments within 30 days after the 
close of nominations. The term of the appointment shall be 
until submission of the report of comprehensive 
recommendations under subsection (g) of this Section. The 
member from the Division of Aeronautics of the Department of 
Transportation shall chair the Task Force and serve as a 
liaison to the Governor and General Assembly. Meetings of the 
Task Force shall be held as necessary to complete the duties of 
the Task Force. Meetings of the Task Force shall be held in the 
central part of the State.
   
    (d)   The members of the Task Force shall receive no 
compensation for serving as members of the Task Force.
   
    (e)   The Task Force shall consider commercial and private 
uses of drones, landowner and privacy rights, as well as 
general rules and regulations for safe operation of drones, and 
prepare comprehensive recommendations for the safe and lawful 
operation of UAS in this State.
   
    (f)   The Department of Transportation shall provide 
administrative support to the Task Force.
    (g)   The Task Force shall submit a report with 
recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly no later 
than July 1, 2016.

 
    Section 20. Expiration. This Act is repealed on September 
1, 2016.
 

    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon 
becoming law.