Proponents of the bill say that it protects factory farms from the potential of attack: “It is not always possible to know the intent of a drone’s operator, which causes concerns for farmers and ranchers upon seeing one,” says the bill analysis. “With the speed at which drone technology is evolving and the ease with which drones can be acquired, the opportunities for nefarious uses have increased, including poisoning a food supply at a feed lot.”

The Argument Against

With over 78% of Texas land mass covered in farm land – much of which gets significant benefit from drone technology – the bill could open Texas up to unintended consequences as the commercial and beneficial uses of drones expand. Opponents of the bill say that the existing laws, including one making it illegal to fly drones over private property, render this one unnecessary. They also point out that the FAA claims sole jurisdiction over regulation of airspace.