The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 251, a measure focused on adapting state law to address developments in air mobility technology. The bill was introduced by State Representative Bernie Willis (R-Springfield) and covers two main areas related to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the regulation of new aviation facilities.
A key provision of the bill requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before using UAVs for surveillance, with several exceptions. These exceptions include border security operations within 50 miles of an international border, exigent circumstances that require immediate action, disaster response to environmental or weather emergencies, traffic and accident investigations, and research, training, and development purposes.
House Bill 251 also mandates that all law enforcement UAV flights be recorded as public record. Additionally, it prohibits arming UAVs with lethal weapons.
“This is commonsense, forward-thinking legislation,” said Willis. “House Bill 251 respects constitutional principles while embracing innovation, and it ensures that our state is prepared for the future of air mobility.”
The legislation further updates Ohio’s aviation infrastructure regulations by formally recognizing seaplane bases, heliports, vertiports, and spaceports. It requires these types of facilities to obtain approval from the Ohio Department of Transportation before they can be used for commercial purposes. The bill extends the existing certification process for airports and landing areas to these newly defined facilities.
House Bill 251 will now proceed to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
