On March 16th, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R), signed an Act to amend and reenact § 18.2-121.3 of the Code of Virginia relating to the trespass of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
The amendment specifies that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly and intentionally cause an unmanned aircraft system to drop any item within the boundaries of or obtain any videographic or still image of any identifiable inmate or resident at any state or local correctional facility or juvenile correctional center is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Anyone convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor is subject to a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.
Adding these elements to existing law comes as public reports of using UAS to drop contraband into prisons are becoming more common. Public safety officials are concerned about the safety and security of staff and inmates.
Post Image- Virginia State Capitol in Richmond (envatoelements- SeanPavone)
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