Amends GS 15A­300.1(a) to incorporate the the definition of model aircraft into the definition of unmanned aircraft.

Repeals GS 15A­300.1(d) (Limitations on use of special imaging technology).

Enacts new GS 15A­300.1(c1) to allow emergency management agencies to use unmanned aircraft systems for all functions and activities related to emergency management.

Amends GS 63­96 to revise the minimum age for permits for commercial operation of unmanned aircraft systems to mirror the minimum age required by federal regulation for operation of an unmanned aircraft system (was, 16 years of age). Requires a valid government­issued photographic identification acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration for issuing authorization to operate an unmanned aircraft system (was, a valid driver's license). Directs the Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation (Division), to make its criteria and requirements for issuing permits to operate an unmanned aircraft system for commercial purposes no more restrictive than the rules or regulations adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration's criteria and requirements for operating an unmanned aircraft system for commercial purposes. Makes conforming changes.