Just let everyone know, there is a similar bill in the House, HR 658, FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 (Introduced in House - IH)
SEC. 323. SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.
(a) In General- Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system. The Secretary may make such determination before completion of the plan and rulemaking required by section 322 of this Act or the guidance required by section 324 of this Act.
(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems- In making the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum
(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and population areas, and operation within visual line-of-sight do not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national security; and
(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified under paragraph (1).
(c) Requirements for Safe Operation- If the Secretary determines under this section that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.
The previous sections of the bill refer to commercial SUAS, but this section does not appear to be limited strictly to commercial. Since the House is where authorization legislation originates, I expect this is probably based heavily on input from the FAA Budget request, and is therefore indicative of the FAAs thinking on the upcoming NPRM. I think now is probably the time to write your representative in the House and encourage them to ammend HR 658 similar to the amendment submitted by Sen Inhofe in S223. The two bills will have to be reconciled by a joint committee, and who knows which version that committee will support. If both bills contain similar amendments, it will be much more likely to be included in the final legislation.
Brad