PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 16, 2017
Wildfire Airspace Protection Act of 2017
This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly or recklessly operate an unmanned aircraft that interferes with a wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response effort.
It imposes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both—on a violator.
The prohibition does not apply to the operation of an unmanned aircraft by the government to protect public safety and welfare, including firefighting, law enforcement, or emergency response efforts.
People & committees
Rep. Cook, Paul [R-CA-8] · R–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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