OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A bill to shield Oklahoma landowners from civil liability for shooting down drones flying over their property has narrowly cleared a Senate committee on a bipartisan vote.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 6-4 on Tuesday for the bill by Oklahoma City Republican Sen. Ralph Shortey over the concerns of some members who say the bill is unnecessary. It now proceeds to the full Senate.
Shortey says he's received reports of people shooting down drones, but acknowledged he's unaware of anyone being sued for doing so.
He says landowners have no way of knowing the intention of a drone's owner, and shouldn't be held liable for shooting one down.
Shortey says his bill wouldn't change criminal prohibitions on discharging firearms within city limits.