03/28/2026
Subject: Request to Veto HB429 – Protect Lawful Drone Operations and Public Safety
Governor Ivey,
My name is Tim McPhail, and I serve as President of the Alabama Drone Pilots Association. I am writing to respectfully urge you to veto HB429 in its current form.
Our organization fully supports safe, lawful, and responsible drone operations, as governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Alabama’s drone professionals are small business owners, contractors, and service providers who contribute to industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, real estate, and public safety.
However, HB429 presents serious concerns that conflict with core principles of limited government, regulatory clarity, and public safety.
First, this bill creates a new criminal offense without providing clear enforcement guidance. There are no defined procedures for how or when law enforcement should engage a drone operator. This ambiguity will inevitably lead to inconsistent enforcement across jurisdictions, placing both officers and citizens in uncertain and potentially confrontational situations.
Second, the bill creates a dangerous public safety risk. A remote pilot actively operating an unmanned aircraft must maintain constant focus on the aircraft to ensure safe flight. Any attempt by law enforcement to approach or interrupt that operator during flight introduces the risk of loss of control, property damage, or injury to bystanders. This is an unintended but very real consequence of the bill.
Third, HB429 risks unnecessary law enforcement encounters involving individuals engaged in lawful, federally authorized activity. Even though the bill includes an exemption for operators complying with federal regulations, the lack of clarity will likely result in officers attempting to enforce the statute against compliant pilots. This creates avoidable friction between citizens and law enforcement, and diverts resources from higher-priority public safety needs.
Finally, this bill introduces regulatory uncertainty for Alabama’s growing drone industry, which is built on compliance with federal law. Businesses operating legally under FAA Part 107 or Part 108 should not be exposed to criminal liability or unnecessary enforcement actions due to unclear or conflicting state-level restrictions.
Alabama has long supported pro-business policies, individual responsibility, and efficient use of law enforcement resources. HB429, as written, risks undermining those principles by creating confusion, increasing unnecessary enforcement interactions, and placing both pilots and officers in avoidable risk.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask that you veto HB429 and allow for further refinement to ensure that any future legislation:
• Clearly protects lawful, federally authorized operators
• Provides defined and safe enforcement mechanisms
• Avoids unnecessary burdens on law enforcement
• Supports Alabama’s economy and innovation
Thank you for your time and your continued leadership in supporting the people and businesses of Alabama.
Respectfully,
Tim McPhail
President
Alabama Drone Pilots Association
