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H.R. 6460: Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

119th Congress · introduced 2025-12-04 · Transportation and Public Works · Latest: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

federal

What does this mean?

Official title

Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

Plain summary

Recreational Drone Empowerment Act This bill expands the areas in which recreational unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) are authorized to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has various classifications for airspace, including Class E airspace, which is controlled airspace that is comprised of multiple sectors (e.g., Classes E1 to E5). Class E airspace includes sectors that (1) generally begin where Class G airspace (i.e., uncontrolled airspace) ends, and (2) are associated with an airport surface area or a surface level extension to another class of airspace. Under current law, recreational drones may generally operate in certain circumstances from a fixed site, including within Class B, C, or D airspace. They may also operate within Class G airspace (1) up to 400 feet above ground level, without prior FAA authorization; and (2) over 400 feet above ground level with prior FAA authorization. The FAA has interpreted current law to allow recreational drone operations in Class E2 airspace designated for an airport and prohibit recreational drone operations in other Class E sectors. The bill specifies that the FAA may authorize recreational drones to operate at fixed site locations in Class E airspace that is above Class G airspace; or designated as an extension to a Class B, C, D, or E surface area.

Congressional Research Service summary (Reported to House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Reported to House)

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Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1] · 1 cosponsors

Money: CBO cost estimate: H.R. 6460, Recreational Drone Empowerment Act (2026-02-03) No linked contracts or vendors yet.

Words on this page, explained (1)
Bill
A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong119-hr6460 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong119 · updated 2026-11-03 by psicol fed-bills