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Bill

AB 426

Impeding emergency response with drone.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Diane Dixon

Bill criminalizes operating drones in ways that impede emergency response operations, creating penalties for interference with firefighting, law enforcement, and rescue missions.

In committee: Held under submission.
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Bill Summary · AB 426

Legislative bill overview

AB 426 creates criminal penalties for operating drones in ways that impede, interfere with, or obstruct emergency response operations. The bill specifically targets drone operators whose actions delay or compromise the effectiveness of firefighting, law enforcement, medical response, or other emergency services.

Why is this important

Unauthorized drones near emergency scenes can disrupt critical operations, delay rescue efforts, and create safety hazards for first responders. This bill addresses a documented problem where recreational and commercial drones have interfered with wildfire suppression, disaster response, and search-and-rescue missions, potentially costing lives.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill's language around what constitutes "impeding" or "interfering" may be broad enough to capture incidental or minor drone activity, raising concerns about over-criminalization of unintentional interference.
  • Enforcement challenges: Identifying and prosecuting drone operators in real-time during emergencies may be difficult, particularly distinguishing negligent operators from those with intentional obstruction.
  • First Amendment considerations: Some may argue overly broad language could restrict legitimate journalism or documentation of emergency scenes by news organizations using drones.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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