REPRESENTATIVE BOICE CHEERS PASSAGE OF AIRSPACE PROTECTIONS

April 23, 2025 3:50 a.m. 

State Representative Court Boice is praising the passage of legislation he says will offer airspace protections for emergency response operations.

Tuesday, the Oregon House passed HB 3426 A, which modifies penalties for using an unmanned aircraft, or drone, to interfere with law enforcement, firefighting or search and rescue.

Boice said, “As drones become more and more of an interest and hobby for Oregonians, it is critical that they understand when and where it is appropriate to fly a drone and that interfering with emergency responses will have consequences”. Boice authored the legislation and said, “This bill will safeguard our airspace for emergency response operations”.

HB 3426 A designates intentionally interfering with emergency response operations with an unmanned aircraft system, such as a drone, as a Class C felony. An unintentional interference is specified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Boice said, “I am pleased that this Bill soared through the House Judiciary Committee with a unanimous vote. Every member of that committee contributed to the rationale of this legislation, and I am grateful for the support this bill earned today on the House Floor”.

HB 3426 A passed with unanimous support and will head to the Senate for consideration.