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Senate floor approves third substitute of HB 126 to clarify local role in wildfire drone use
Summary
A conference committee recommended a third substitute of House Bill 126, which the Senate approved; the revised language narrows certain definitions to wildland‑fire responses and permits limited local input on aircraft use.
The Senate accepted the joint conference committee’s recommendation to replace House Bill 126 with a third substitute that updates unmanned aircraft language.
Senator Van Tassel, floor sponsor, said a work group convened after the committee met and that interested parties provided language improvements. Among the changes, Van Tassel said, the substitute clarified that particular provisions apply to wildland‑fire responses and allows some local governmental input regarding aircraft use.
After the sponsor’s explanation, the Senate moved the third substitute forward under suspension of the rules and the bill was passed and placed on the calendar for third reading and transmittal as appropriate.
Senator Van Tassel said the updated language reflected consensus among involved parties and recommended passage.
