HB 779 amends O.C.G.A. Title 16 by adding O.C.G.A. § 16-11-210, providing definitions relating to “unmanned aircraft systems.” HB 779 makes it unlawful to launch an unmanned aircraft system from private property unless authorized by the owner or lawful occupier of the real property. However, this subsection will not apply to the delivery or retrieval of packages by commercial operators. 

It shall be punishable by felony to sell, transport, manufacture, possess, or operate an unmanned aircraft system that is equipped with a weapon, unless for the purpose of United States military operations or federal government contracts involving research using weaponized unmanned aircraft systems. The use of an unmanned aircraft system to gather evidence or information shall constitute a search.

Except as provided in Article 6 of Chapter 11 or O.C.G.A. § 16-11-66.1, any person violating any of the provisions of this part, relating to wiretapping, eavesdropping, and surveillance, shall be guilty of felony. Any person that obstructs or hinders any law enforcement office or authorized official in the lawful discharge of his or her official duties by the use of an unmanned aircraft shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. 

The bill adds new Code Section 6-2-13 which creates the Georgia Unmanned Vehicle Systems Commission. It delineates the proposed members and modes of appointment. The Commission would be charged with identifying various benefits associated with the use of unmanned vehicle systems as well as concerns associated with safety and commercial interests; developing qualification guidelines for companies to follow when applying to the Federal Aviation Administration for a Section 333 exemption; identifying challenges and needs of the unmanned vehicle systems industry which would be supported with Georgia assets; developing the value proposition for Georgia; providing recommendations that will encourage the development of the unmanned vehicle system industry in Georgia; and providing an annual report to the General Assembly of their findings on or before December 1.  The commission will be abolished on December 31, 2021.