Juneau, Alaska – On Tuesday, the Legislative Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) released its Interim Report to the Legislature in accordance with House Concurrent Resolution 6, which passed the Legislature last session.

The Task Force reviewed multiple potential UAS scenarios focusing on privacy, economic development, law enforcement, anticipated mission types, and safety. The Task Force spent a significant amount of time evaluating Alaska’s existing privacy laws to avoid recommending duplicative laws for UAS, considered ways to encourage the economic development and safe uses of UAS in Alaska, and supported public education to address concerns and harness the benefits of UAS in life saving and other beneficial applications.

“The public’s number one concern, as is mine, is privacy,” Task Force Co-Chair Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, said. “I commend the task force on their work to refine the rules for appropriate use of this technology and the protections against misuse and the invasion of privacy. Alaska has earned this opportunity to become a leader in another industry, and we are proud to take on this challenge.”

“I am pleased with the whole body of work completed by the Task Force and appreciate the focus on integrating unmanned aircraft into the airspace,” Task Force Co-Chair Donny Olson, D-Golovin, said. “With so many Alaskans as pilots, this recognition for safety is critically important to our way of life.”

Rep. Hughes will be introducing legislation on the first day of session to continue the work of the Task Force during UAS integration.

For more information, contact Rep. Hughes’ office at 907-465-5265 or Senator Olson’s office at 907-465-3707.

The full report can be viewed online here.(PDF)