Section 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.1 So in original. Probably should be "effort".
Added Pub. L. 115-254, div. B, title III, §382(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3320.