Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
- Last Action
- 3/25/2026
Actions
- 2026-03-25Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-03-24Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-03-24On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)
- 2026-03-24Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2026-03-24DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.
- 2026-03-24Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)
- 2026-03-24Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2026-03-16Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
- 2026-03-16Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
- 2026-03-16Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
- 2025-12-18Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-12-18Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-12-18Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
- 2025-12-05Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 2025-12-04Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Showing 15 of 17 actions. Full history on Congress.gov.
CRS Summary
As of 2026-03-16 (07)
Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
This bill expands the areas in which recreational unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) are authorized to fly.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has various classifications for airspace, including Class E airspace, which is controlled airspace that is comprised of multiple sectors (e.g., Classes E1 to E5). Class E airspace includes sectors that (1) generally begin where Class G airspace (i.e., uncontrolled airspace) ends, and (2) are associated with an airport surface area or a surface level extension to another class of airspace.
Under current law, recreational drones may generally operate in certain circumstances from a fixed site, including within Class B, C, or D airspace. They may also operate within Class G airspace (1) up to 400 feet above ground level, without prior FAA authorization; and (2) over 400 feet above ground level with prior FAA authorization.
The FAA has interpreted current law to allow recreational drone operations in Class E2 airspace designated for an airport and prohibit recreational drone operations in other Class E sectors.
The bill specifies that the FAA may authorize recreational drones to operate at fixed site locations in Class E airspace that is
- above Class G airspace; or
- designated as an extension to a Class B, C, D, or E surface area.
Cosponsors (1)
- Sharice Davids (D-KS)
Subjects
- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Aviation and airports
- Licensing and registrations
- Transportation safety and security
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
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