AB-1749 • 2026

Interfering with wildfire suppression with drone.

Crime Labor

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Dixon
Last action: 2026-04-15
Official status: From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on penalties or fines that could be imposed, only mentioning civil penalties and reasonable attorney’s fees.

Stopping Drones from Blocking Wildfire Help

This law makes it illegal to use drones in a way that blocks firefighters and other emergency workers from fighting wildfires.

What This Bill Does

Makes it against the rules for people to fly drones near wildfires if they are trying to stop or slow down firefighting efforts, either knowingly or recklessly.
Allows the Attorney General, county counsel, or city attorney to take legal action against anyone who breaks this rule.
Lets those taking legal action get money from someone found guilty of breaking the law.

Who It Names or Affects

People who fly drones near wildfires
Firefighters and other emergency workers dealing with wildfires

Terms To Know

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV): A flying machine that does not have a person on board, often called a drone.
Emergency response: The actions taken by firefighters, police, and other helpers during an emergency like a wildfire.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify what happens if someone accidentally flies a drone near a wildfire.
Does not explain how much money can be recovered from someone who breaks the law.
The bill has passed both chambers of the legislature but does not have an effective date yet.

Bill History

2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-03 California Legislative Information
In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
2026-03-24 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on JUD. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (March 23). Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-03-23 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on E.M.
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on E.M. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-03 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on E.M.
2026-03-02 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on E.M. Read second time and amended.
2026-02-23 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on E.M and JUD.
2026-02-10 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 12.
2026-02-09 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1749, as amended, Dixon.
Interfering with wildfire suppression with drone.
Existing law makes it a crime for a person to operate or use an unmanned aerial vehicle, remote-piloted aircraft, or drone at the scene of an emergency for the purpose of viewing the scene or emergency or military personnel, and thereby impede the emergency or military personnel, in the performance of their duties in coping with the emergency. Existing law excuses a local public entity or public employee from liability for damage to an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system, if the damage was caused while the local public entity or public employee of a local public entity was providing, and the unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system was interfering with, the operation, support, or enabling of any emergency service, as specified. Existing law makes everyone responsible for an injury occasioned to another by their want of ordinary care or skill in the management of their
property or person, as provided.
This bill would prohibit a person from operating or using an unmanned aerial vehicle, remote-piloted aircraft, or drone to knowingly or recklessly interfere with a wildfire suppression or law enforcement or emergency response efforts related to a wildfire
suppression, except as provided.
suppression.
The bill would authorize the Attorney General or a county counsel or city attorney to bring civil action to enforce the prohibition and authorize a prevailing plaintiff to recover civil penalties, injunctive relief, or reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF