Tennessee SB2434 Class C misdemeanor drones over schools
Summary
Tennessee enacted SB2434 creating a Class C misdemeanor for knowingly operating unmanned aircraft (drones) over school grounds. The bill passed the Senate 32-0 and House 73-14 after adopting amendments. Schools and drone operators must now comply with restrictions on drone flights near educational facilities.
What changed
Tennessee SB2434 amends TCA Title 39 and Title 49 to create a Class C misdemeanor offense for knowingly using an unmanned aircraft over school grounds. The bill originated in the Senate, passed through the Judiciary Committee, and was amended twice (SA0756 and HA0978) before final passage.
Drone operators must immediately comply with restrictions on flights over school property, or face criminal charges. Educational institutions may need to establish protocols for reporting violations. The law targets knowing violations, suggesting incidental or accidental overflights may have limited exposure, but operators should exercise caution near all school facilities.
What to do next
- Update drone operation policies to prohibit flight over school grounds
- Train staff on new Class C misdemeanor liability for drone operations near schools
- Monitor for school district guidance on enforcement of drone restrictions
Penalties
Class C misdemeanor penalties under Tennessee law may include up to 30 days incarceration and/or monetary fines
Archived snapshot
Apr 8, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
ChangeBridge / Tennessee / SB2434 Passed SB2434 Senate Bill Passed 2026-04-02
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 49, relative to unmanned aircraft over schools.
As introduced, creates the Class C misdemeanor offense of knowingly using an unmanned aircraft over the grounds of a school. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 49.
Bill Details
State Tennessee
Session 114th General Assembly
Chamber Senate
Official Source wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?...
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Sponsors
Rusty Crowe (Sen - R)
Action History
2026-04-07 H Passed H., as am., Ayes 73, Nays 14, PNV 2 2026-04-07 H H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0978) 2026-04-07 H Subst. for comp. HB. 2026-04-06 H Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk. 2026-04-02 S Engrossed; ready for transmission to House 2026-04-02 S Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 32, Nays 0 2026-04-02 S Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0756) 2026-03-31 S Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/2/2026 2026-03-17 S Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0 2026-03-16 S Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/17/2026 2026-03-16 S Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/17/2026 2026-03-11 S Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/16/2026 2026-02-05 S Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee 2026-02-02 S Introduced, Passed on First Consideration 2026-02-02 S Filed for introduction
Votes
2026-03-17 SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0 Yea: 9 Nay: 0 2026-04-02 FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration Yea: 32 Nay: 0 2026-04-07 FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION Yea: 73 Nay: 14
Committee Referrals
2026-02-05 S Judiciary 2026-03-17 S Calendar
Amendments
2026-03-18 SA0756
Bill Text Versions
2026-02-02 Draft
Subjects
Criminal Offenses Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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