Assembly OKs bill that would impose fines for flying drones over prisons

MADISON — The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a bill that would impose fines for flying drones over prisons.

The bill would impose a $5,000 fine for flying a drone over a state prison. The measure comes after a series of incidents across the country in which smugglers flew contraband over prison walls.

The Assembly approved the bill on a voice vote Thursday, February 18th -- sending the proposal to the Senate.

The Assembly also was expected to take up another bill Thursday that would increase the penalty for crimes utilizing drones.

That bill's authors removed a provision that would have allowed municipalities to establish additional no-fly zones for drones after a public hearing last month. Drone operators and technology advocates testified it would create a patchwork of regulations and clash with federal rules.