Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
Effective September 1, 2025, Texas law classifies unauthorized unmanned aircraft (drone) operations over spaceports as a Class B Misdemeanor. This legislation expands critical infrastructure protections to include both launch and testing facilities, creating immediate criminal liability for commercial operators, media, and surveyors who fail to obtain and document prior authorization.
Sen. Brian Birdwell·Senate Bill·Regular Session
County and District Attorneys • Local Law Enforcement Agencies • Texas Department of Public Safety
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-09-01). Consider how these changes may affect your operations.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB1197
Effective September 1, 2025, Texas law classifies unauthorized unmanned aircraft (drone) operations over spaceports as a Class B Misdemeanor. This legislation expands critical infrastructure protections to include both launch and testing facilities, creating immediate criminal liability for commercial operators, media, and surveyors who fail to obtain and document prior authorization.
SB1197 was authored by Texas Senator Brian Birdwell during the Regular Session.
SB1197 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 19, 2025.
SB1197 is enforced by County and District Attorneys, Local Law Enforcement Agencies and Texas Department of Public Safety.
The regulatory priority for SB1197 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB1197 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB1197 addresses topics including aeronautics, crimes, crimes--against property, crimes--miscellaneous and criminal procedure.
Key dates for SB1197: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB1197 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of Class B Misdemeanor (up to $2,000 fine and/or 180 days in jail); enhances to Class A Misdemeanor for subsequent convictions for Intentionally or knowingly operating an unmanned aircraft (drone) over a spaceport, allowing contact with a spaceport, or interfering with spaceport operations.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
SB1197 primarily affects property owners and real estate professionals. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
