State Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, recently introduced a plan addressing drone usage guidelines for the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

House Bill 4300 states the DNR, or a person acting on its behalf, cannot utilize a drone to surveil, inspect or collect information about private property without consent, a warrant or probable cause.

“Currently, the DNR does not need a warrant to do its job when going on private land,” said Hoitenga, who chairs the House Communications and Technology Committee. “I want to make sure a middle ground is forged within our state’s laws. We must respect the positives of advancing law enforcement technology while not infringing on private property rights.”

Aerial reconnaissance can aid the DNR in efforts to monitor environmental situations such as forest fires or contaminants in lakes and rivers.

Now in her second term representing residents in Wexford, Mecosta and Osceola counties, Hoitenga has worked extensively to incorporate the rise of drone use – whether for hobbyist, commercial or government purposes – into state law.

Two Hoitenga proposals involving drones were eventually signed by former governor Rick Snyder during the 2017-18 legislative term. Public Act 446 of 2018 tasks the Michigan Aeronautics Commission with providing education and information on unmanned aircraft to various departments, the public, law enforcement and other entities.

Public Act 448 of 2018 declares drone use as an extension of a person regarding criminal activity. Under the enacted law, illegal activity carried out with the use of a drone is treated the same as an individual breaking the law without unmanned aircraft as an aid.

HB 4300 was referred to the House Communications and Technology Committee for consideration.