House Bill 2368 / Senate Bill 2543 (2026)
- Prohibits flying a drone within 400 feet of, or above, a ticketed entertainment event: a music, sporting, or performing arts event at a gated venue that requires a ticket. A violation is a Class A misdemeanor.
- Does not apply to operators who have consent from the event, operators authorized by the FAA who are flying lawfully under federal rules, venue and utility employees, law enforcement, the military, emergency management officers on duty, or property owners flying over their own property without interfering with the event.
- Public Chapter 918, signed May 1, 2026. Applies from July 1, 2026.
Ref House Bill 2368 / Senate Bill 2543 (2026)
Senate Bill 2434 / House Bill 2147 (2026)
- Makes it a Class C misdemeanor to knowingly fly a drone over the grounds of a public K-12 school with the intent to conduct surveillance of the school, unless a school administrator or the director of schools gives permission.
- Law enforcement officers on duty and commercial operators authorized by the FAA to fly in that airspace are exempt.
- Public Chapter 868, signed April 27, 2026. Applies from July 1, 2026.
Ref Senate Bill 2434 / House Bill 2147 (2026)
Tennessee State Parks Policy
- Drone operations in Tennessee State Parks are subject to the same rules governing the use of aircraft. This means that the operations, launching, or landing of drones in State Parks is prohibited unless written permission from the Park Manager has been granted.
- Landing areas designated in special regulations are exempt from this rule. In the case of water surfaces designated as landing areas, drones may not operate within 500 feet of bathing beaches, boat docks, piers, ramps, or within one mile of water controlled structures.
Ref Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Senate Bill 1892
- Classifies the conduct of unlawful surveillance of persons or property using a drone as a Class C misdemeanor.
- Classifies the criminal act of possession, distribution, or capturing of images without any prior consent as a Class B misdemeanor.
Senate Bill 2106
Prohibits drone operations within 250 feet of critical infrastructure facilities to conduct surveillance or to unlawfully gather evidence or collect information.
House Bill 153
Prohibits drone operations over firework displays and open-air events without the owner’s prior consent. This applies to events that have the potential to accommodate more than 100 persons.
Senate Bill 1777
Prohibits private entities from using drones to conduct video surveillance of private citizens lawfully engage in hunting and fishing activities without their consent.
House Bill 2376
Permits drone operations on behalf of public and private higher education institutions. This amends Section 39-13-902(a)(1).
House Bill 153
Prohibits drone operations over firework displays and open-air events without the owner’s prior consent. This applies to events that have the potential to accommodate more than 100 persons.
Senate Bill 796
Authorizes the use of drones by law enforcement agencies with official search warrant in situations where swift action is vital to thwart imminent danger to life or to counteract high-risk terror attacks.
Tennessee Valley Authority Rules
- Unless otherwise posted, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) may be operated on or over undeveloped TVA public lands in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. Public operation of drones is prohibited on developed TVA public lands as outlined in the Rules for Use of Developed TVA Public Lands section.
- Operation of drones may not harass, harm or otherwise interfere with any person, personal or real property, natural resources, wildlife or TVA operations or activities on or over TVA public lands.
- Public operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) is prohibited on and over all developed TVA public lands, facilities, or structures—including but not limited to TVA dam reservations and developed recreation areas (such as campgrounds and day-use areas) power plant reservations, power substations, and transmission lines.
