New protections for the airspace over a local correctional facility will go into effect this October according to provisions from SB 273.
During the 2024 legislative session, changes were made to the Criminal Law article restricting certain activities in the airspace above a local detention center. According to the new law a person may not operate an unmanned aircraft over a detention center for the purpose of:
- photographing or recording images of the facility or its residents
- delivering contraband to an incarcerated individual
Starting October 1, 2024, violators can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment not exceeding three years and/or $1000 fine. The Maryland Correctional Administrators Association as well as the Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Associations were supportive of the new measures and the need to keep residents and staff safe.
