§40A. Operation of unauthorized unmanned aircraft over wildfires
(a) In General.-Except as provided in subsection (b), an individual who operates an unmanned aircraft and knowingly or recklessly interferes with a wildfire suppression, or law enforcement or emergency response efforts 1 related to a wildfire suppression, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.
(b) Exceptions.-This section does not apply to the operation of an unmanned aircraft conducted by a unit or agency of the United States Government or of a State, tribal, or local government (including any individual conducting such operation pursuant to a contract or other agreement entered into with the unit or agency) for the purpose of protecting the public safety and welfare, including firefighting, law enforcement, or emergency response.
(c) Definitions.-In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Unmanned aircraft.-The term "unmanned aircraft" has the meaning given the term in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.
(2) Wildfire.-The term "wildfire" has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Emergency Wildfire Suppression Act (42 U.S.C. 1856m).
(3) Wildfire suppression.-The term "wildfire suppression" means an effort to contain, extinguish, or suppress a wildfire.
(Added
Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §382(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3320
.)