New Jersey Ready to Ban Droning Under the Influence

If your idea of a good time is getting intoxicated and flying a drone, you'll probably want to stay away from New Jersey starting this week. That's when lawmakers are set to ban drunken droning throughout the Garden State, Reuters reports. The State Senate has already voted to ban drunken or drugged droning and the Assembly is expected to do the same shortly. If the law passes as expected, Gov. Chris Christie will have to sign it before he leaves office this month or the legislation will die. Jersey is one of at least 38 states considering laws regulating drones this year.

New Jersey legislators are considering making the punishment for droning while intoxicated six months in prison or a $1000 fine, Newsweek reports. The law would also make it a crime to use drones to hunt animals or engage in any activity that endangers people or their property. In addition, any pilot who uses a drone to endanger the "safety or security of a correctional facility” or interfere "with a first responder who is actively engaged in response” would face a maximum punishment of 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.