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LEGISLATION/H.R. 6460

Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

119-HR-6460119th CongressIntroduced Dec 4, 2025Transportation and Public Works
Market Probability
No market
Status
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Other Chamber
Signed
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sponsor

Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1](R-KS-1)
1 cosponsor

Summary

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.

Subjects

Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAviation and airportsLicensing and registrationsTransportation safety and security

Actions (17)

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Mar 25, 2026Senate
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Mar 24, 2026House floor actions
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)
Mar 24, 2026House floor actions
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
Mar 24, 2026Library of Congress
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.
Mar 24, 2026House floor actions
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)
Mar 24, 2026House floor actions
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Mar 24, 2026House floor actions
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
Mar 16, 2026House floor actions
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Mar 16, 2026House floor actions
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Mar 16, 2026Library of Congress
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Dec 18, 2025House committee actions
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Dec 18, 2025House committee actions
Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
Dec 18, 2025House committee actions
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Dec 5, 2025House committee actions
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Dec 4, 2025House floor actions
Introduced in House
Dec 4, 2025Library of Congress
Introduced in House
Dec 4, 2025Library of Congress
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