New York added Penal Law Article 280. Unlawful use of a drone is a class A misdemeanor. The buffer around airports, schools, and critical infrastructure is now a state criminal charge, not just an FAA problem.
SB 260 passed the California Senate on January 27, 2026 and is sitting in Assembly committees. Proposed Penal Code § 402.5 would add a 400-foot critical-infrastructure buffer. It is not law yet.
New York City's drone rule is a takeoff-and-landing statute. Administrative Code § 10-126(c) plus 38 RCNY Chapter 24. Flying in Class B is still a federal problem. This is not a city airspace ban.
CS/CS/HB 1121, Chapter 2025-29, effective October 1, 2025, raised specified critical-infrastructure drone violations to a third-degree felony and added wired communications to the facility list. The commercial overflight exception is narrower than many summaries claim.
The FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and the Office of Engineering and Technology opened PS Docket No. 26-184 on a proposed import-and-marketing prohibition for two previously authorized Anzu devices. Comments are due on or before September 23, 2026. Aircraft you already bought would remain legal to operate.
A presidential proclamation dated August 13, 2026, adjusts imports of unmanned aircraft systems and components under Section 232. Duties begin 12:01 a.m. ET September 3, 2026. This is a tariff explainer, not a shopping list.
Remote ID is still required on Part 107 flights. Standard Remote ID, a broadcast module, or a FRIA. What 14 CFR Part 89 actually demands.
Section 1709 and the December 22, 2025 Covered List update turn on country of origin and licensing paper, not a Part 107 safety finding. Existing FCC authorizations stay usable. This is not a flying ban.
The FCC is taking comment through September 2, 2026 on a proposal to stop continued importation and marketing of certain previously authorized foreign-produced drones. Drones you already own would remain legal to fly. Here is how to file.