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Drones for First Responders: New Rules for Use and Safety

This act makes it easier for emergency services like fire departments and police to use tethered drones in emergency situations. It introduces new safety rules for these drones to protect airspace and ensure their reliability. This will allow services to respond more effectively to accidents and disasters, potentially improving public safety.
Key points
Emergency services (fire, police, search and rescue) can more easily use tethered drones in emergency situations.
These drones must have redundant flight systems and automatic landing in case of tether separation, increasing safety.
Safe distances from airports for drone operations in emergencies are defined, with the possibility of air traffic control approval for closer operations.
Within 90 days, the Federal Aviation Administration will issue detailed guidelines for implementing these provisions.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_1192
Sponsor: Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]
Process start date: 2023-02-24
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

First Responders Aerial Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_1192.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-02-24.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Emergency services (fire, police, search and rescue) can more easily use tethered drones in emergency situations.
  • These drones must have redundant flight systems and automatic landing in case of tether separation, increasing safety.
  • Safe distances from airports for drone operations in emergencies are defined, with the possibility of air traffic control approval for closer operations.
  • Within 90 days, the Federal Aviation Administration will issue detailed guidelines for implementing these provisions.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-24.

CATEGORIES

Security Transport