Over the past two weeks, the AMA Government Affairs team has been hard at work representing and protecting the model aircraft hobby at the federal, state and local level. We wanted to share with you some of our work and progress made during the first half of February.
State and Local Government Relations
At the local level, AMA has engaged with members of the Pitt County, NC council to reduce the burden of a proposed county-wide UAS ordinance.
In addition, the team continues to engage with legislators on 15 problematic bills in various states:
• Hawaii: AMA submitted official testimony and opposition to proposed Senate Bill 2160 in Hawaii, which has been deferred in committee.
• Mississippi: A potentially problematic bill which would have given Mississippi the authority to regulate the operations of unmanned aircraft died in committee.
• Utah: AMA contacted Senate Committee members in Utah concerning House Bill 59, which accepted AMA’s recommended changes.
Federal Government Relations
In addition to our advocacy efforts at the state level, AMA continues to work closely with UAS industry leaders to improve safety, including the Drone Advisory Committee-Sub Committee (DACSC). Our team has attended several meetings this month and has helped finalize the DACSC Task Group 3 report, which will soon be presented to the full DACSC for approval.
Other Activities
Earlier this month, AMA attended the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Conference and Expo in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we shared information on flying model aircraft safely and worked to create additional flying sites for our members.
This week, AMA Government Affairs and Public Relations Director Chad Budreau spoke in Orlando, Florida at the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization’s Annual Meeting and Training Symposium. He discussed drone safety and the balance of drone regulations and education, with a focus on protecting our community.
Members of AMA’s Government Affairs Team will be also be attending the AMA Expo East February 23-25 in Secaucus, New Jersey. If you’re in the area, please stop by to introduce yourself, ask us questions and provide feedback.
For the most current information on all our government advocacy work, please visit our website www.modelaircraft.org/gov. As always, we thank you for all you’ve done to support our longstanding hobby. AMA is successful because of our members like you.
Sincerely,
AMA Government Affairs Team