Bill > AB270

This bill requires the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to establish a pilot project to test a firefighting helicopter equipped with autonomous aerial suppression technology, with the goal of potentially integrating this innovative technology into wildfire mitigation efforts. The bill recognizes the increasing challenges of climate-related disasters and seeks to explore how autonomous technology might improve firefighting capabilities. The pilot project will involve inviting local, state, tribal, and federal fire agencies to participate in familiarization and training activities. After the project's completion (or by January 1, 2029), CAL FIRE must convene fire professionals to assess the pilot project's performance using metrics such as wind condition performance, safety mechanisms, autonomous vs. manual flight time, agency participation, and operational coordination. The bill requires operators of the autonomous technology to submit detailed reports to CAL FIRE and the Legislature about any significant safety incidents, including accidents, their circumstances, and potential damages or injuries. The underlying motivation is to potentially enhance firefighting operational safety, effectiveness, and mission efficiency in response to increasingly severe wildfire threats in California.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Military Affairs and Security

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB270