§337.1. Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system at a parade

            A. Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system at a parade is the intentional use of an unmanned aircraft system by an unauthorized person over any parade or parade route for which a permit is issued by a governmental entity.

            B. As used in this Section, the following definitions shall apply:

            (1) "Parade" means any celebration of Mardi Gras or directly related pre-Lenten or carnival related festivities, school parades, parish parades, state parades or municipal parades, or any demonstration for which a permit is issued by a governmental entity.

            (2) "Parade route" means any public sidewalk, street, highway, bridge, alley, road, or other public passageway upon which a parade travels.

            C. Whoever commits the crime of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system at a parade shall be fined not less than two thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than one year, or both. In addition to the sentence imposed pursuant to this Subsection, the court shall order the forfeiture of the unmanned aircraft system used in connection with the offense and provide for the destruction, sale, or other disposition of the unmanned aircraft system.

            D. Notice of the area known as the "Drone No Fly Zone" shall be posted along the parade route and may be announced through the use of local media outlets or social media platforms.

            E. Lack of knowledge that the prohibited act occurred on or within the parade or parade route shall not be a defense.

            F. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to unmanned aircraft systems used for motion picture, television, or similar production where the filming is authorized.

            Acts 2025, No. 170, §1.