Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: autonomous firefighting pilot project.
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Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill authorizes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to establish a pilot project to test the use of a firefighting helicopter equipped with autonomous aerial suppression technology in California. The department will invite participation from various fire agencies and, after the pilot project’s completion (or by January 1, 2029), will assess its performance and determine how to integrate this technology into existing wildfire mitigation efforts. Operators of the autonomous technology will be required to report relevant data to the department and the Legislature.
Key provisions
- Establishes a pilot project for autonomous aerial suppression technology in firefighting helicopters.
- Requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to invite participation from local, state, tribal, and federal fire agencies.
- Mandates a performance assessment of the pilot project by leading fire professionals.
- Outlines metrics for evaluating the pilot project’s effectiveness, including wind conditions, safety mechanisms, and operational efficiency.
- Requires operators of the autonomous technology to report data to the department and the Legislature.
- Specifies reporting requirements for safety incidents involving the autonomous technology.
- Sets a deadline for the department to assess the pilot project's results and determine integration strategies.
- Establishes a timeline for the department to convene fire professionals for the assessment.
Who is affected
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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