HB 3426
Expands offenses relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft system to interfere with official duties to include firefighting and search and rescue efforts.
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Support
100%
Oppose
0%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill expands Oregon law to include penalties for using unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to interfere with critical operations like firefighting and search and rescue efforts. Currently, these offenses primarily targeted law enforcement activities. The bill amends existing penalties to include Class A misdemeanor and Class A felony charges for interfering with these operations, and also increases penalties for repeat offenders, potentially leading to the confiscation of the drone.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of interference to include firefighting and search and rescue operations.
- Increases penalties for using drones to interfere with law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, and emergency response efforts.
- Establishes Class A misdemeanor penalties for a first offense.
- Establishes Class A felony penalties for causing death or serious injury.
- Increases penalties for repeat offenders, potentially leading to drone confiscation.
Who is affected
- Drone operators
- Firefighters
- Search and rescue personnel
- Emergency responders
- Aircraft operators
Notable changes
- Adds firefighting and search and rescue as offenses related to drone interference.
- Increases penalties for interfering with these specific operations compared to general law enforcement interference.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3426 advocate for the regulation of private drone use during emergency operations, citing concerns over safety and interference with critical activities. The Oregon Fire Chiefs Association and Special District Association of Oregon Fire Districts express support for the bill, emphasizing the need to ensure uninterrupted emergency response efforts. Some testifiers propose amendments, including reclassifying certain offenses from Class A violations to Class B misdemeanors, in an effort to balance regulatory measures with enforcement flexibility. Overall, supporters aim to enhance public safety and improve emergency response effectiveness by restricting private drone use during active search and rescue and firefighting operations.
Source: Testimony Summaries
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