Tom Collins Appointed to Illinois Drone Task Force

Thomas J. Collins, P.E., S.E., President of Chicago-based Collins Engineers, Inc., has been appointed to the Illinois Unmanned Aerial System Oversight Task Force. State Bill 44 called for the creation of the Task Force to consider commercial and private uses of drones, landowner and privacy rights, as well as general rules and regulations for safe operation of drones.

The UAS Task Force includes twenty-two members appointed by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. They represent the interests of various stakeholders, local governments, and state agencies. Mr. Collins’ appointment fulfills the bill’s call for the inclusion of a member of a statewide commerce association.

The Task Force will provide a written report for the governor and the state legislature by July 1, 2016, with recommendations for the safe and lawful operation of UAS’s. The Task Force will be dissolved on September 1, 2016.