CAL.Regulation
California penalizes drone flights that interfere with wildfire suppression
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1749 on September 29, 2026. The bill adds Civil Code section 1714.57, prohibiting knowingly or recklessly operating a drone to interfere with wildfire suppression or related emergency response, including under an FAA temporary flight restriction. The Attorney General, county counsel, or city attorney may sue, with prevailing plaintiffs recovering civil penalties up to $75,000 per violation plus injunctive relief and attorney's fees.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor
Key points
- Prohibits knowingly or recklessly flying drones to interfere with wildfire suppression or emergency response.California Legislative Information
- Covers emergency response under FAA temporary flight restrictions.California Legislative Information
- Authorizes civil suits by the Attorney General, county counsel, or city attorney.California Legislative Information
- Penalties reach $75,000 per violation plus injunctions and attorney's fees.California Legislative Information
- Takes effect January 1, 2027; signed with the September 29 wildfire package.California Legislative InformationOffice of the Governor
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of the Governor
Filed under
RegulationCal.AB 1749 — Drone Interference with FirefightingEnvironmentalLitigationPublic safetyFor practitionersFor governance