H.R. 6460 Passed the House Transportation and Public Works

Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

To amend title 49, United States Code, to clarify exceptions for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1] Introduced December 4, 2025 Cosponsors 1 (1 D) Latest action March 25, 2026

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Mar 25, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  2. Mar 24, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Mar 24, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)
  4. Mar 24, 2026 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
  5. Mar 24, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.
  6. Mar 24, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)
  7. Mar 24, 2026 Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  8. Mar 16, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
  9. Mar 16, 2026 Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
  10. Dec 18, 2025 Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
  11. Dec 18, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  12. Dec 18, 2025 Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged

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