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.