Committee advances Drone Safety Management Modernization Act after members cite wildfire risks

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on the markup advanced HR 10304, the Drone Safety Management Modernization Act, adopting an amendment in the nature of a substitute and ordering the bill favorably reported to the House.

Representative Gallagher, who offered the amendment in the nature of a substitute, said the legislation aims to reduce dangerous incursions by recreational small unmanned aircraft systems into restricted airspace. "This bill addresses a very real and growing safety challenge, unauthorized drone operations within restricted airspace," Gallagher said, describing incidents where a drone struck a firefighting aircraft and another grounded air attack during major wildfires.

Supporters including Representative Larson and Chair Graves said the bill requires manufacturers to provide new‑device operators with an electronically available safety statement at initial activation and compels FAA to update safety statements periodically. Chair Graves said the measure will increase "general aeronautical knowledge of recreational operators" and help first responders. The committee adopted the amendment and then agreed to favorably report HR 10304 as amended by voice vote; the motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

The markup record shows no roll‑call tally for the voice votes. The committee also authorized staff to make technical and conforming changes to reflect the committee's actions.