To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a criminal penalty for launching drones that interfere with fighting wildfires affecting Federal property, and for other purposes.
Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Wildfire Airspace Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly or recklessly operate an unmanned aircraft that interferes with a wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response effort. It imposes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both—on a violator. The prohibition does not apply to the operation of an unmanned aircraft by the government to protect public safety and welfare, including firefighting, law enforcement, or emergency response efforts.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Crime and Law Enforcement
Aviation and airportsCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationFiresFirst responders and emergency personnelForests, forestry, trees
To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a criminal penalty for launching drones that interfere with fighting wildfires affecting Federal property, and for other purposes.
USA115th CongressHR-1138| House
| Updated: 3/16/2017
Wildfire Airspace Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly or recklessly operate an unmanned aircraft that interferes with a wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response effort. It imposes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both—on a violator. The prohibition does not apply to the operation of an unmanned aircraft by the government to protect public safety and welfare, including firefighting, law enforcement, or emergency response efforts.