South Carolina Considers New Drone Laws

State bill would create penalties for illegal drone flights near power plants, prisons, and military bases.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting depicting a drone in flight, with the aircraft's form repeating in fractured, geometric waves of dark blue, violet, and indigo hues, conveying the complex regulatory challenges posed by the growing prevalence of drones.As drone usage continues to rise, South Carolina seeks new state-level laws and penalties to address public safety and privacy concerns.Columbia Today

South Carolina lawmakers are considering a new state bill that would create laws governing where drones can and cannot fly, closely mirroring Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The bill would make it illegal to fly drones within 1,000 feet of power plants, water facilities, prisons, and military bases, and would also apply to private property if the flight invades privacy, creates a nuisance, or harasses someone. The bill would create both misdemeanor and felony charges for violations, including using drones to smuggle contraband into prisons.

Why it matters

As drone usage becomes more common, state and federal authorities are seeking to establish clearer rules and penalties to protect public safety and privacy. This bill in South Carolina is part of a broader push to give law enforcement more tools to address issues like drone-enabled prison contraband smuggling and flights that invade people's privacy.

The details

The proposed South Carolina bill would prohibit drone flights within 1,000 feet of power plants, water facilities, prisons, and military bases. It would also apply to private property if the drone flight invades privacy, creates a nuisance, or harasses someone. The bill would create both misdemeanor and felony charges for violations, including using drones to smuggle contraband like crab legs, steaks, and cigarettes into prisons.

  • In the first month of enforcement of South Carolina's hands-free law, CSRA-area drivers received 402 citations from state agencies.
  • In late 2025, the South Carolina Department of Corrections caught a drone delivering contraband like crab legs, steaks, and cigarettes to an inmate.

The players

Rep. Brandon Cox

A Republican state representative from Berkeley, South Carolina who says the goal of the bill is to give law enforcement more tools to address nefarious drone flights.

South Carolina Department of Corrections

The state agency that says drone-enabled contraband smuggling into prisons is a growing problem both in South Carolina and across the country.

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What they’re saying

“The intent of this is really to give our law enforcement folks some teeth because right now there is some teeth with the FAA however our local and state law enforcement are not necessarily able to prosecute or detain someone for nefarious flights.”

— Rep. Brandon Cox, State Representative

What’s next

The bill is expected to be voted out of full committee this week, setting it up for a full House floor vote.

The takeaway

This proposed drone legislation in South Carolina is part of a broader effort by state and federal authorities to establish clearer rules and penalties around drone usage in order to protect public safety, privacy, and critical infrastructure like prisons and power plants.