H.R. 6460 · 119th Congress
Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
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Passed the House without a recorded vote. It passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record how each member voted. Its text can still change before it becomes law.
R
MannSponsor1 cosponsor · 1 D
1 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
- House Introduced Dec 4, 2025
- House Passed Mar 24, 2026
This bill expands the areas in which recreational unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) are authorized to fly.
What it does: CRS summary · Reported to House · Mar 16, 2026
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.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
Latest action (Mar 25, 2026): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works · Origin: House · Introduced: Dec 4, 2025
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
- House Introduced Dec 4, 2025
- House Passed Mar 24, 2026
No recorded floor vote found.