Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: autonomous firefighting pilot project.

Assembly Member Petrie-Norris's proposal directs the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to evaluate autonomous aerial firefighting technology through a pilot program testing helicopter-mounted suppression systems in California.

The pilot program requires participation from local, state, tribal, and federal fire agencies in training and familiarization activities. Within 60 days of the program's completion, or by January 1, 2029, the department must convene fire professionals to assess performance across multiple metrics, including the technology's functionality in varying wind conditions, safety enhancement capabilities, operational modes, agency participation levels, and integration with existing air traffic protocols. If program objectives are met, these professionals will determine methods for incorporating the technology into California's wildfire mitigation framework.

Operators of autonomous aerial systems in the pilot must submit copies of their federal and local agency reports to both the department and Legislature within 30 days. For incidents requiring investigation, operators must provide detailed safety reports covering accidents, circumstances, and any resulting property damage or injuries within six months. The bill's findings note that this initiative comes as California faces increasing challenges from climate-related disasters that have strained current response capabilities.