Office of Emergency Services: autonomous firefighting activities.
- Establishes California's first pilot program for autonomous firefighting helicopters to combat wildfires.
- Requires the Office of Emergency Services to test and integrate unmanned aircraft for firefighting operations.
- Enables nighttime and hazardous condition firefighting operations through autonomous aircraft deployment.
- Expands emergency response capabilities by allowing remote positioning of unmanned firefighting aircraft.
Assembly Member Petrie-Norris's proposal to establish California's first autonomous firefighting helicopter program reflects mounting concerns over the state's emergency response capacity amid intensifying climate disasters. The legislation directs the Office of Emergency Services to create a pilot program that would test and integrate an autonomous firefighting helicopter into the state's emergency response operations.
The pilot program encompasses three primary components: configuring the autonomous aircraft, familiarizing emergency personnel with the technology, and conducting training activities to prepare for operational deployment. According to the bill's findings, autonomous aircraft could expand firefighting capabilities by enabling operations during nighttime and low-visibility conditions that pose risks to human pilots. The technology also allows for pre-positioning aircraft in remote areas to reduce response times.
The measure builds upon existing collaboration between the Office of Emergency Services and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which jointly manage the state's comprehensive wildfire mitigation efforts. While the bill requires no new appropriations, it mandates fiscal committee review to evaluate the program's budgetary implications, including equipment acquisition, training costs, and ongoing operational expenses.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
 Cottie Petrie-NorrisD Assembly Member | Bill Author |  Not Contacted |
- Establishes California's first pilot program for autonomous firefighting helicopters to combat wildfires.
- Requires the Office of Emergency Services to test and integrate unmanned aircraft for firefighting operations.
- Enables nighttime and hazardous condition firefighting operations through autonomous aircraft deployment.
- Expands emergency response capabilities by allowing remote positioning of unmanned firefighting aircraft.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Assembly Member Petrie-Norris's proposal to establish California's first autonomous firefighting helicopter program reflects mounting concerns over the state's emergency response capacity amid intensifying climate disasters. The legislation directs the Office of Emergency Services to create a pilot program that would test and integrate an autonomous firefighting helicopter into the state's emergency response operations.
The pilot program encompasses three primary components: configuring the autonomous aircraft, familiarizing emergency personnel with the technology, and conducting training activities to prepare for operational deployment. According to the bill's findings, autonomous aircraft could expand firefighting capabilities by enabling operations during nighttime and low-visibility conditions that pose risks to human pilots. The technology also allows for pre-positioning aircraft in remote areas to reduce response times.
The measure builds upon existing collaboration between the Office of Emergency Services and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which jointly manage the state's comprehensive wildfire mitigation efforts. While the bill requires no new appropriations, it mandates fiscal committee review to evaluate the program's budgetary implications, including equipment acquisition, training costs, and ongoing operational expenses.
Latest Voting History
Cottie Petrie-NorrisD Assembly Member | Bill Author | Not Contacted |