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House advances stiffer penalties and authority to neutralize drones over wildfires
Summary
HB 3003 passed after lawmakers said unmanned aircraft sightings had interfered with firefighting; the bill increases penalties, gives judges restitution authority and authorizes fire commanders and chiefs of law enforcement to neutralize drones over wildfire airspace.
Representative Ibsen, sponsor of HB 3003, said recent wildfires prompted changes to the existing code and presented three main changes: increasing penalties, expanding judges’ authority to award restitution, and giving fire commanders and chief law-enforcement officers the authority to remove or neutralize unmanned aircraft that interfere with firefighting operations.
Supporters on the floor said sightings had occurred near wildfire operations and that the ability to neutralize a drone might be necessary to protect fire-management aircraft and personnel. Representative 23 (floor speaker) noted the change is a tweak to a very recent law and argued the modifications reflect lessons learned in the field and requests from state forestry and fire officials.
Opponents cautioned that the bill had not benefited from extended committee testimony and asked how many citations had been issued under the newly enacted law; the sponsor and other supporters said they were not aware of prosecutions but described first-hand firefighter concern and a briefing from state land and forestry representatives. Representative Greene urged caution about imposing greater penalties on a law that was only recently implemented, while endorsing neutralization authority in limited circumstances.
After floor discussion and questions, the House passed HB 3003 by a recorded vote of 67 yes to 2 no. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
