James Gallagher (R-CA)
Drone Safety Statement Modernization Act
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Drone Safety Statement Modernization Act," aims to amend title 49 of the United States Code regarding small unmanned aircraft systems. It requires manufacturers to provide a safety statement to initial operators when they first activate their system. Operators must then electronically acknowledge that they have read and understood the statement. The Administrator is tasked with developing and reviewing the specific requirements for these safety statements. These requirements include information on laws, airspace restrictions, and potential consequences for unsafe operation.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +2
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
Provides consumers with clearer safety and legal guidance when operating drones.
- Scored +1
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
Likely to benefit from clearer safety guidelines for drone operation.
- Scored +1
Would people in middle age be better off under this?
Likely to benefit from clearer safety guidelines for drone operation.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Would business owners be better off under this?
Imposes additional compliance requirements on drone manufacturers.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Safety Awareness: Manufacturers must provide a safety statement to the initial operator at the time of first activation, which includes recommendations for using systems in ways that promote the safety of persons and property (Section 2(a)(1)(A) and Section 2(a)(2)(D)).
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Clearer Legal Guidance: The safety statement will include information on laws, regulations, and authorizations applicable to different types of operations (Section 2(a)(2)(A)).
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Airspace Safety Information: Operators will receive information regarding temporary flight restrictions and other airspace restrictions specific to unmanned aircraft systems (Section 2(a)(2)(B)).
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Awareness of Consequences: The bill requires the statement to include potential consequences for operating a system in an unsafe or unlawful manner, including enforcement actions (Section 2(a)(2)(E)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Mandatory Electronic Acknowledgement: Operators are required to electronically acknowledge that they have read and understand every component of the safety statement (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers using drones for agricultural purposes get better safety and legal guidance. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Likely to benefit from clearer safety guidelines for drone operation. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Increased safety awareness for drone operators can reduce accidents in densely populated areas. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Likely to benefit from clearer safety guidelines for drone operation. Would business owners be better off under this? — Imposes additional compliance requirements on drone manufacturers.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Provides consumers with clearer safety and legal guidance when operating drones.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — Imposes new mandatory reporting and acknowledgment requirements on drone manufacturers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases the FAA Administrator's role in setting safety statement requirements.
- 9/15/2026
- Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 9/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/9/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 9/8/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada