Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6618
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act aims to address safety risks posed by unauthorized drone flights (unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS) during wildfire suppression efforts. It requires a federal study to assess how these drone incursions interfere with firefighting operations and to explore mitigation strategies, ultimately improving aerial response in wildfire zones.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Unmanned aircraft system" (UAS) refers to drones and their operating components, as defined in federal aviation law.
- "Counter-UAS system" means technologies or methods to detect, track, or neutralize unauthorized drones.
- "UAS incursion" is defined as operating a drone in airspace restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to a wildfire (known as a temporary flight restriction, or TFR).
- Required Study: The FAA Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (via the U.S. Forest Service Chief), must examine UAS incursions' effects on wildfire suppression on lands managed by the Departments of the Interior or Agriculture.
- Study Contents:
- Analyze data from the past 5 calendar years, including:
- The number of UAS incursions that interfered with wildfire suppression.
- Impacts of each incursion, such as extended time to fully suppress the fire, delays in deploying aerial firefighting units (e.g., helicopters or planes), and increased federal costs.
- Evaluate options like:
- Distributing educational materials to inform the public about the dangers of drone incursions during wildfires.
- Using approved counter-UAS systems by authorized groups (e.g., firefighting teams) to detect, counter, and prevent incursions.
- Reporting Requirement: Within 18 months of enactment, the FAA must submit a report to specified Senate and House committees (e.g., Energy and Natural Resources, Commerce, Science, and Transportation) detailing study findings and recommendations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces a new mandate for a targeted study and report on UAS incursions in wildfire contexts, building on existing FAA authority to issue TFRs for emergencies. It does not amend current drone regulations or counter-UAS deployment rules but could inform future updates by highlighting data gaps and solutions.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The FAA, Department of the Interior (e.g., Bureau of Land Management), and Department of Agriculture (e.g., Forest Service) will need to collaborate on data collection and analysis, potentially leading to enhanced coordination in wildfire management. It may increase federal spending on studies and education but could reduce long-term costs from delayed firefighting.
- Citizens: Drone hobbyists and operators may face greater awareness campaigns about TFRs, indirectly encouraging compliance to avoid endangering lives and property. Wildfire-prone communities could benefit from safer, faster aerial suppression, reducing fire spread and risks to residents.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the focus is on domestic U.S. wildfire operations and federal lands.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: FAA (leads study), Department of the Interior, and U.S. Forest Service (provide data and consultation on wildfire operations).
- Congressional Committees: Oversight bodies like Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation and House Transportation and Infrastructure, which will receive the report.
- Firefighting Personnel and Agencies: Aerial suppression teams, who face direct risks from drone incursions.
- Drone Operators and Public: Individuals or businesses using drones, who may be targeted by education efforts or future restrictions.
- Taxpayers: Affected by any costs related to incursions or mitigation tools.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on established FAA powers under Title 49 of the U.S. Code for airspace management and TFRs; the study could pave the way for expanded use of counter-UAS technologies, which are currently regulated to ensure they do not interfere with lawful drone operations or privacy rights.
- Constitutional: Potential future implications for Fourth Amendment privacy concerns if counter-UAS systems involve surveillance, though the act itself only studies feasibility without authorizing deployment.
- Political: Highlights growing concerns over drone safety in emergencies, potentially fostering bipartisan support for wildfire resilience policies amid increasing fire frequency due to climate factors; the report's recommendations could influence appropriations or regulatory reforms in aviation and natural resources.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-03-24: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-03-24: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2654)
- 2026-03-24: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2026-03-24: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6618.
- 2026-03-24: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2654-2655)
- 2026-03-24: Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-03-16: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 471.
- 2026-03-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-548.
- 2026-03-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-548.
- 2026-01-21: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-01-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-12-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 2025-12-11: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-12-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act — issued 2026-03-24 — PDF (6 pages)
- Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act — issued 2025-12-11 — PDF (4 pages)
- Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (4 pages)
- Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (6 pages)