Kansas Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Kansas has moved toward a moderate regulatory posture with the enactment of SB 9 (2025), which prohibits state agencies and local governments from purchasing drones or critical components from foreign adversary countries, and existing statutes addressing drone-based harassment and stalking. The state relies primarily on federal FAA rules for commercial and recreational drone operations, and several municipalities maintain local ordinances governing drone use near airports and over private property or public events. Additional legislation targeting foreign-made drone procurement and critical infrastructure protection remains active in the 2025-2026 legislative session.
State Drone Laws
SB 319 (2015-16 Session)Drone Use in Harassment and Stalking
Expands the definition of harassment in Kansas's Protection from Stalking Act to include certain uses of drones, specifically addressing drone surveillance as a form of stalking or harassment.
SB 9 (2025 Session) — House SubstituteProhibition on Acquisition of Drones from Foreign Adversaries; Foreign Real Estate Near Military Installations
Prohibits state agencies and local governments in Kansas from purchasing drones or critical components of drones from foreign principals or that are manufactured in countries of concern (e.g., China, Russia, Iran, North Korea). Also prohibits foreign principals from acquiring interests in real estate in proximity to military installations and from receiving benefits from economic development programs.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Wichita
cityDrone Operations Near Airports
Prohibits the use of drones on or near airport property within the City of Wichita.
Restrictions
No drone operations permitted on or near airport property, including Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and other municipal airports. Violation of Wichita Municipal Code § 9.35.210.
City of Prairie Village
cityDrone Operations Restrictions
Prohibits drones from flying near people, over large events, or over private property without prior permission.
Restrictions
No flights near people; no flights over large public events; no flights over private property without owner consent.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance violating privacy under SB 319 (Protection from Stalking Act) | Varies based on stalking/harassment classification; Class B person misdemeanor to severity level 10 person felony | Varies by offense level; misdemeanor fines up to $2,500; felony fines up to $100,000 | Up to 6 months for Class B misdemeanor; up to 12 months for Class A misdemeanor; 5–17 months for severity level 10 felony (aggravated stalking) | Kansas Highway Patrol, Local Law Enforcement | Incorporated into Protection from Stalking Act penalties. Kansas does not have a standalone 'Kansas State Police' agency; enforcement is via Kansas Highway Patrol and local agencies. |
| State agency or local government procurement of drones from foreign adversary countries (SB 9) | Administrative/civil violation; void contract | To be established by rule; contracts void ab initio | Kansas Attorney General, Relevant State Agencies | Enacted April 7, 2025. Applies to all state agencies and political subdivisions. | |
| Drone operations near airport property (Wichita) | Municipal ordinance violation | $50–$500 typical municipal fine range | Not specified; municipal citation basis | Wichita Police Department | Violation of Wichita Municipal Code § 9.35.210 |
| Drone operations over private property or near people (Prairie Village) | Municipal ordinance violation | $50–$500 typical municipal fine range | Not specified; municipal citation basis | Prairie Village Police Department | Specific penalties not detailed in available sources. |
Drone surveillance violating privacy under SB 319 (Protection from Stalking Act)
Incorporated into Protection from Stalking Act penalties. Kansas does not have a standalone 'Kansas State Police' agency; enforcement is via Kansas Highway Patrol and local agencies.
State agency or local government procurement of drones from foreign adversary countries (SB 9)
Enacted April 7, 2025. Applies to all state agencies and political subdivisions.
Drone operations near airport property (Wichita)
Violation of Wichita Municipal Code § 9.35.210
Drone operations over private property or near people (Prairie Village)
Specific penalties not detailed in available sources.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Kansas does not impose state-level drone registration. All drone operators must comply with federal FAA registration requirements: recreational fliers must register drones weighing over 0.55 lbs (250g) for $5 with the FAA; commercial operators are covered under Part 107 certification. SB 9 (2025) adds a procurement restriction for state and local government entities regarding foreign-made drones.
No state permit required for private operators. Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Local ordinances in some municipalities (Wichita, Prairie Village) may require approval for operations in those jurisdictions. State agencies and local governments must comply with SB 9 procurement restrictions when purchasing drones.
Not required by state law. Strongly recommended for commercial operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Operations
All commercial drone operations in Kansas must comply with FAA Part 107 rules.
Commercial drone operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operators must maintain visual line of sight, fly below 400 feet AGL, and comply with airspace restrictions including TFRs and controlled airspace requirements.
Recreational Drone Operations (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators must pass the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
Recreational fliers must complete TRUST and follow FAA model aircraft rules. Drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) require $5 FAA registration. Operators must maintain visual line of sight and follow altitude and airspace restrictions.
FAA Remote ID Compliance
All UAS operators must comply with FAA Remote ID rules.
As of September 2023, drones must broadcast Remote ID information in real-time or use a compliant broadcast module. Non-compliance can result in certificate suspension and civil penalties. All operators, recreational and commercial, are subject to Remote ID requirements.
Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government agencies may operate under COA instead of Part 107.
Government agencies (police, fire, emergency services) in Kansas may apply for a federal Certificate of Authorization to conduct drone operations without individual Part 107 certification for each pilot.
Foreign Drone Procurement Restrictions (SB 9, 2025)
Kansas SB 9 supplements federal NDAA drone procurement restrictions at the state and local government level.
Kansas SB 9 (signed April 7, 2025) mirrors and extends federal National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) restrictions by prohibiting state agencies and local governments from purchasing drones or critical components from countries of concern. This aligns with federal efforts to restrict DJI and other foreign-manufactured drones from government use, and reinforces Section 848 of the FY2020 NDAA. State procurement rules now apply regardless of whether the entity receives federal funding.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available across Kansas, including around major airports in Kansas City metro, Wichita, and Topeka areas. Check B4UFLY or UAS Facility Maps for real-time airspace status.
Major Airports
MHK — Manhattan Regional AirportFOE — Forbes Field (Topeka)ICT — Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National AirportMCI — Kansas City International Airport (serves KS metro)TOP — Topeka Regional Airport (Philip Billard Municipal)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common around major sporting events, military installations (Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth), and special events. Check NOTAMs and B4UFLY before every flight. Stadium TFRs apply at University of Kansas football stadium (David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium) and Kansas State University football stadium (Bill Snyder Family Stadium) during events.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement in 2025
enforcementFAA announced increased enforcement actions against rogue and unauthorized drone operators nationwide, including Kansas airspace.
FAA Signals Tougher Stance on Unauthorized Drone Operations
enforcementFAA and FBI announced comprehensive drone restrictions and stepped-up enforcement ahead of Super Bowl LX, establishing nationwide no-fly zones and increased penalties.
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties
enforcementFederal agencies announced increased penalties for drone violations following detection of rogue drones over critical infrastructure; enforcement applies nationwide.
Pending Legislation
HB 2423In Committee — House Committee on Federal and State AffairsAllowing hunters who are federally licensed drone operators to use drones to locate wounded or recently deceased deer
Would allow hunters who are federally licensed drone operators (FAA Part 107 certified or otherwise authorized) to use drones to locate wounded or recently deceased deer for hunting purposes.
Last action: January 27, 2026
HB 2293In Committee — House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic DevelopmentProhibiting the acquisition of critical components of drone technology from countries of concern
Would prohibit the acquisition of critical components of drone technology from countries of concern and the procurement of final or finished goods or services from countries of concern. May be superseded in part by enacted SB 9.
Last action: February 26, 2025
SB 453In Committee — Senate Committee on Federal and State AffairsKansas Critical Infrastructure Protection Act
Would enact the Kansas Critical Infrastructure Protection Act to prohibit access to state critical infrastructure by countries of concern and the acquisition of critical software and other technology used in state infrastructure from countries of concern. Would complement SB 9's drone procurement restrictions.
Last action: February 4, 2026
HCR 5010In Committee — House Committee on Federal and State AffairsSupporting the authorization and funding of the public safety autonomous technologies research, testing, certification and commercialization program
House concurrent resolution supporting authorization and funding for public safety autonomous technologies research, testing, certification and commercialization program and the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025.
Last action: February 5, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | KU requires approval from the Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Risk Management (EHS&RM) for all drone operations on campus. Stadium TFR applies during athletic events at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The university has a formal UAS policy covering research, instructional, and recreational use on campus property. Restrictions: Prior written approval required from EHS&RM before any drone flight on campus property. No flights during stadium TFR periods (during football games and major events). No flights over buildings, crowds, or restricted areas without explicit authorization. Operators must comply with all FAA regulations including Remote ID and Part 107 where applicable. | Yes | Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Risk Management — ehs@ku.edu |
| Kansas State University | K-State requires coordination with the Division of Public Safety and campus Environmental Health & Safety for drone flights. The university operates a UAS research program through the Applied Aviation Research Center (AARC). K-State has an established UAS policy requiring prior authorization for all flights on university property. Restrictions: Coordination with Division of Public Safety required prior to any flight on campus. Bill Snyder Family Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. No flights over campus buildings or crowds without authorization. Research and commercial UAS operations require additional approval from the AARC and compliance with FAA Part 107. | Yes | Division of Public Safety; Applied Aviation Research Center (AARC) |
| Wichita State University | Wichita State University has a UAS policy and is also home to the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and conducts significant UAS research. Campus drone flights require prior authorization from university administration and must comply with FAA regulations and local Wichita ordinances. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all drone flights on campus property. Compliance with Wichita Municipal Code § 9.35.210 (airport proximity restrictions) may apply given proximity to Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. Research UAS operations coordinated through NIAR. No flights over crowds or buildings without authorization. | Yes | WSU Office of Research — research@wichita.edu; NIAR |
| Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg State University requires prior approval for drone operations on campus. UAS use must comply with FAA regulations and university policy administered through campus safety and facilities management. Restrictions: Prior approval required from campus administration. Compliance with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. No flights over campus events or buildings without authorization. | Yes | PSU Campus Safety and Security |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.1). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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