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Senate passes big fines for flying drones over prisons

By: Associated Press//March 15, 2016//

Senate passes big fines for flying drones over prisons

By: Associated Press//March 15, 2016//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Senate has approved a bill Tuesday that would impose a heavy fine for flying drones over Wisconsin’s prisons.

The bill follows a series of incidents across the country in which smugglers flew drugs, pornography or other contraband over prison walls, dropping the packages from drones. Wisconsin hasn’t yet had similar issues, but legislators say they want to be proactive.

The bill would impose a $5,000 fine for flying a drone over state correctional institutions. The Assembly passed the bill in February. The Senate followed suit on Tuesday, approving it on a voice vote with no discussion. It now goes to Gov. Scott Walker.

Another bill that would have increased the penalty for using drones in crimes is likely dead after it didn’t make it onto the Senate agenda.

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