H. R. 302—120 
in chapter 7 of Federal Aviation Administration Order JO 7200.23A 
to ensure that civil and public operators, including local law enforce-
ment agencies and first responders, continue to use unmanned 
aircraft system operations quickly and efficiently in response to 
a catastrophe, disaster, or other emergency. 
(c) BEST PRACTICES.—The Administrator shall develop best 
practices for the use of unmanned aircraft systems by States and 
localities to respond to a catastrophe, disaster, or other emergency 
response and recovery operation. 
SEC. 354. TREATMENT OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT OPERATING UNDER-
GROUND. 
An unmanned aircraft system that is operated underground 
for mining purposes shall not be subject to regulation or enforce-
ment by the FAA under title 49, United States Code. 
SEC. 355. PUBLIC UAS OPERATIONS BY TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS. 
(a) PUBLIC UAS OPERATIONS BY TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS.—Sec-
tion 40102(a)(41) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(F) An unmanned aircraft that is owned and operated 
by, or exclusively leased for at least 90 continuous days 
by, an Indian Tribal government, as defined in section 
102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122), except as provided in 
section 40125(b).’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 40125(b) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘or (D)’’ and inserting 
‘‘(D), or (F)’’. 
SEC. 356. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR KNOW BEFORE 
YOU FLY CAMPAIGN. 
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration $1,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2019 through 2023, out of funds made available under section 
106(k), for the Know Before You Fly educational campaign or 
similar public informational efforts intended to broaden unmanned 
aircraft systems safety awareness. 
SEC. 357. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS PRIVACY POLICY. 
It is the policy of the United States that the operation of 
any unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system shall be car-
ried out in a manner that respects and protects personal privacy 
consistent with the United States Constitution and Federal, State, 
and local law. 
SEC. 358. UAS PRIVACY REVIEW. 
(a) REVIEW.—The Comptroller General of the United States, 
in consideration of relevant efforts led by the National Tele-
communications and Information Administration, shall carry out 
a review of the privacy issues and concerns associated with the 
operation of unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace 
system. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the review, the Comptroller 
General shall— 
(1) consult with the Department of Transportation and 
the National Telecommunications and Information Administra-
tion of the Department of Commerce on its ongoing efforts
H. R. 302—121 
responsive to the Presidential memorandum titled ‘‘Promoting 
Economic Competitiveness While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil 
Rights, and Civil Liberties in Domestic Use of Unmanned Air-
craft Systems’’ and dated February 15, 2015; 
(2) examine and identify the existing Federal, State, or 
relevant local laws that address an individual’s personal pri-
vacy; 
(3) identify specific issues and concerns that may limit 
the availability of civil or criminal legal remedies regarding 
inappropriate operation of unmanned aircraft systems in the 
national airspace system; 
(4) identify any deficiencies in Federal, State, or local pri-
vacy protections; and 
(5) provide recommendations to address any limitations 
and deficiencies identified in paragraphs (3) and (4). 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the review 
required under subsection (a). 
SEC. 359. STUDY ON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICE 
AGENCY USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. 
(a) STUDY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall conduct a study 
on the use of unmanned aircraft systems by fire departments 
and emergency service agencies. Such study shall include an 
analysis of— 
(A) how fire departments and emergency service agen-
cies currently use unmanned aircraft systems; 
(B) obstacles to greater use of unmanned aircraft sys-
tems by fire departments and emergency service agencies; 
(C) the best way to provide outreach to support greater 
use of unmanned aircraft systems by fire departments and 
emergency service agencies; 
(D) laws or regulations that present barriers to career, 
combination, and volunteer fire departments’ ability to use 
unmanned aircraft systems; 
(E) training and certifications required for the use 
of unmanned aircraft systems by fire departments and 
emergency service agencies; 
(F) airspace limitations and concerns in the use of 
unmanned aircraft systems by fire departments and emer-
gency service agencies; 
(G) roles of unmanned aircraft systems in the provision 
of fire and emergency services; 
(H) technological challenges to greater adoption of 
unmanned aircraft systems by fire departments and emer-
gency service agencies; and 
(I) other issues determined appropriate by the Adminis-
trator. 
(2) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the study under para-
graph (1), the Administrator shall consult with national fire 
and emergency service organizations. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the study conducted under
H. R. 302—122 
subsection (a), including the Administrator’s findings, conclusions, 
and recommendations. 
SEC. 360. STUDY ON FINANCING OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SERVICES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall initiate a study on appropriate fee mechanisms to recover 
the costs of— 
(1) the regulation and safety oversight of unmanned aircraft 
and unmanned aircraft systems; and 
(2) the provision of air navigation services to unmanned 
aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out the study, the Comp-
troller General shall consider, at a minimum— 
(1) any recommendations of Task Group 3 of the Drone 
Advisory Committee chartered by the Federal Aviation 
Administration on August 31, 2016; 
(2) the total annual costs incurred by the Federal Aviation 
Administration for the regulation and safety oversight of activi-
ties related to unmanned aircraft; 
(3) the annual costs attributable to various types, classes, 
and categories of unmanned aircraft activities; 
(4) air traffic services provided to unmanned aircraft oper-
ating under instrument flight rules, excluding public aircraft; 
(5) the number of full-time Federal Aviation Administration 
employees dedicated to unmanned aircraft programs; 
(6) the use of privately operated UTM and other privately 
operated unmanned aircraft systems; 
(7) the projected growth of unmanned aircraft operations 
for various applications and the estimated need for regulation, 
oversight, and other services; 
(8) the number of small businesses involved in the various 
sectors of the unmanned aircraft industry and operating as 
primary users of unmanned aircraft; and 
(9) any best practices or policies utilized by jurisdictions 
outside the United States relating to partial or total recovery 
of regulation and safety oversight costs related to unmanned 
aircraft and other emergent technologies. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days after initi-
ating the study, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appro-
priate committees of Congress a report containing recommendations 
on appropriate fee mechanisms to recover the costs of regulating 
and providing air navigation services to unmanned aircraft and 
unmanned aircraft systems. 
SEC. 361. REPORT ON UAS AND CHEMICAL AERIAL APPLICATION. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress a report evaluating which aviation safety requirements 
under part 137 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, should 
apply to unmanned aircraft system operations engaged in aerial 
spraying of chemicals for agricultural purposes. 
SEC. 362. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SAFETY. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the unauthorized operation of unmanned aircraft near 
airports presents a serious hazard to aviation safety;
H. R. 302—123 
(2) a collision between an unmanned aircraft and a conven-
tional aircraft in flight could jeopardize the safety of persons 
aboard the aircraft and on the ground; 
(3) Federal aviation regulations, including sections 91.126 
through 91.131 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, prohibit 
unauthorized operation of an aircraft in controlled airspace 
near an airport; 
(4) Federal aviation regulations, including section 91.13 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, prohibit the operation 
of an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger 
the life or property of another; 
(5) the Administrator should pursue all available civil and 
administrative remedies available to the Administrator, 
including referrals to other government agencies for criminal 
investigations, with respect to persons who operate unmanned 
aircraft in an unauthorized manner; 
(6) the Administrator should— 
(A) place particular priority in continuing measures, 
including partnering with nongovernmental organizations 
and State and local agencies, to educate the public about 
the dangers to public safety of operating unmanned aircraft 
over areas that have temporary flight restrictions in place, 
for purposes such as wildfires, without appropriate 
authorization; and 
(B) partner with State and local agencies to effectively 
enforce relevant laws so that unmanned aircrafts do not 
interfere with the efforts of emergency responders; 
(7) the Administrator should place particular priority on 
continuing measures, including partnerships with nongovern-
mental organizations, to educate the public about the dangers 
to the public safety of operating unmanned aircraft near air-
ports without the appropriate approvals or authorizations; and 
(8) manufacturers and retail sellers of small unmanned 
aircraft systems should take steps to educate consumers about 
the safe and lawful operation of such systems. 
SEC. 363. PROHIBITION REGARDING WEAPONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Unless authorized by the Administrator, a 
person may not operate an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft 
system that is equipped or armed with a dangerous weapon. 
(b) DANGEROUS WEAPON DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘dangerous weapon’’ has the meaning given that term in section 
930(g)(2) of title 18, United States Code. 
(c) PENALTY.—A person who violates this section is liable to 
the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more 
than $25,000 for each violation. 
SEC. 364. U.S. COUNTER-UAS SYSTEM REVIEW OF INTERAGENCY 
COORDINATION PROCESSES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after that date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with 
government agencies currently authorized to operate Counter- 
Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) systems within the United 
States (including the territories and possessions of the United 
States), shall initiate a review of the following: 
(1) The process the Administration is using for interagency 
coordination of C-UAS activity pursuant to a relevant Federal
H. R. 302—124 
statute authorizing such activity within the United States 
(including the territories and possessions of the United States). 
(2) The standards the Administration is utilizing for oper-
ation of a C-UAS systems pursuant to a relevant Federal 
statute authorizing such activity within the United States 
(including the territories and possessions of the United States), 
including whether the following criteria are being taken into 
consideration in the development of the standards: 
(A) Safety of the national airspace. 
(B) Protecting individuals and property on the ground. 
(C) Non-interference with avionics of manned aircraft, 
and unmanned aircraft, operating legally in the national 
airspace. 
(D) Non-interference with air traffic control systems. 
(E) Adequate coordination procedures and protocols 
with the Federal Aviation Administration during the oper-
ation of C-UAS systems. 
(F) Adequate training for personnel operating C-UAS 
systems. 
(G) Assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of 
the coordination and review processes to ensure national 
airspace safety while minimizing bureaucracy. 
(H) Best practices for the consistent operation of C- 
UAS systems to the maximum extent practicable. 
(I) Current airspace authorization information shared 
by automated approval processes for airspace authoriza-
tions, such as the Low Altitude Authorization and Notifica-
tion Capability. 
(J) Such other matters the Administrator considers 
necessary for the safe and lawful operation of C-UAS sys-
tems. 
(3) Similar interagency coordination processes already used 
for other matters that may be used as a model for improving 
the interagency coordination for the usage of C-UAS systems. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date upon 
which the review in subsection (a) is initiated, the Administrator 
shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation in the Senate, and the Committee 
on Armed Services of the Senate, a report on the Administration’s 
activities related to C-UAS systems, including— 
(1) any coordination with Federal agencies and States, 
subdivisions and States, political authorities of at least 2 States 
that operate C-UAS systems; 
(2) an assessment of the standards being utilized for the 
operation of a counter-UAS systems within the United States 
(including the territories and possessions of the United States); 
(3) an assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of 
the interagency coordination and review processes to ensure 
national airspace safety while minimizing bureaucracy; and 
(4) a review of any additional authorities needed by the 
Federal Aviation Administration to effectively oversee the 
management of C-UAS systems within the United States 
(including the territories and possessions of the United States).
H. R. 302—125 
SEC. 365. COOPERATION RELATED TO CERTAIN COUNTER-UAS TECH-
NOLOGY. 
In matters relating to the use of systems in the national air-
space system intended to mitigate threats posed by errant or hostile 
unmanned aircraft system operations, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall consult with the Secretary of Defense to streamline 
deployment of such systems by drawing upon the expertise and 
experience of the Department of Defense in acquiring and operating 
such systems consistent with the safe and efficient operation of 
the national airspace system. 
SEC. 366. STRATEGY FOR RESPONDING TO PUBLIC SAFETY THREATS 
AND ENFORCEMENT UTILITY OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEMS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration shall develop a comprehensive strategy to provide outreach 
to State and local governments and provide guidance for local 
law enforcement agencies and first responders with respect to— 
(1) how to identify and respond to public safety threats 
posed by unmanned aircraft systems; and 
(2) how to identify and take advantage of opportunities 
to use unmanned aircraft systems to enhance the effectiveness 
of local law enforcement agencies and first responders. 
(b) RESOURCES.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a publicly 
available Internet website that contains resources for State and 
local law enforcement agencies and first responders seeking— 
(1) to respond to public safety threats posed by unmanned 
aircraft systems; and 
(2) to identify and take advantage of opportunities to use 
unmanned aircraft systems to enhance the effectiveness of local 
law enforcement agencies and public safety response efforts. 
(c) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘unmanned aircraft system’’ has the meaning given that 
term in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code, as added 
by this Act. 
SEC. 367. INCORPORATION OF FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 
OCCUPATIONS RELATING TO UNMANNED AIRCRAFT INTO 
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS OF THE ADMINIS-
TRATION. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, 
in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary 
of Defense, and the Secretary of Labor, shall determine whether 
occupations of the Administration relating to unmanned aircraft 
systems technology and regulations can be incorporated into the 
Veterans’ Employment Program of the Administration, particularly 
in the interaction between such program and the New Sights Work 
Experience Program and the Vet-Link Cooperative Education Pro-
gram. 
SEC. 368. PUBLIC UAS ACCESS TO SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue guidance for the 
expedited and timely access to special use airspace for public 
unmanned aircraft systems in order to assist Federal, State, local,
H. R. 302—126 
or tribal law enforcement organizations in conducting law enforce-
ment, emergency response, or for other activities. 
SEC. 369. APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNATION. 
Section 2209 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act 
of 2016 (Public Law 114–190; 130 Stat. 615) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(i), by striking ‘‘and distribution 
facilities and equipment’’ and inserting ‘‘distribution facilities 
and equipment, and railroad facilities’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) DEADLINES.— 
‘‘(1) Not later than March 31, 2019, the Administrator 
shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to carry out 
the requirements of this section. 
‘‘(2) Not later than 12 months after publishing the notice 
of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (1), the Administrator 
shall issue a final rule.’’. 
SEC. 370. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ADDITIONAL RULEMAKING 
AUTHORITY. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) beyond visual line of sight operations, nighttime oper-
ations, and operations over people of unmanned aircraft sys-
tems have tremendous potential— 
(A) to enhance both commercial and academic use; 
(B) to spur economic growth and development through 
innovative applications of this emerging technology; and 
(C) to improve emergency response efforts as it relates 
to assessing damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, 
bridges, and utilities, including water and power, ulti-
mately speeding response time; 
(2) advancements in miniaturization of safety technologies, 
including for aircraft weighing under 4.4 pounds, have 
increased economic opportunities for using unmanned aircraft 
systems while reducing kinetic energy and risk compared to 
unmanned aircraft that may weigh 4.4 pounds or more, but 
less than 55 pounds; 
(3) advancements in unmanned technology will have the 
capacity to ultimately improve manned aircraft safety; and 
(4) integrating unmanned aircraft systems safely into the 
national airspace, including beyond visual line of sight oper-
ations, nighttime operations on a routine basis, and operations 
over people should remain a top priority for the Federal Avia-
tion Administration as it pursues additional rulemakings under 
the amendments made by this section. 
SEC. 371. ASSESSMENT OF AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION FOR SMALL 
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT. 
(a) EVALUATION.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall enter 
into an agreement with the National Academy of Public Administra-
tion, to estimate and assess compliance with and the effectiveness 
of the registration of small unmanned aircraft systems by the 
Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to the interim final rule 
issued on December 16, 2015, titled ‘‘Registration and Marking 
Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft’’ (80 Fed. Reg. 78593).
H. R. 302—127 
(b) METRICS.—Upon receiving the assessment, the Secretary 
shall, to the extent practicable, develop metrics to measure compli-
ance with the interim final rule described in subsection (a), and 
any subsequent final rule, including metrics with respect to— 
(1) the levels of compliance with the interim final rule 
and any subsequent final rule; 
(2) the number of enforcement actions taken by the 
Administration for violations of or noncompliance with the 
interim final rule and any subsequent final rule, together with 
a description of the actions; and 
(3) the effect of the interim final rule and any subsequent 
final rule on compliance with any fees associated with the 
use of small unmanned aircraft systems. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing— 
(1) the results of the assessment required under subsection 
(a); 
(2) the metrics required under subsection (b) and how 
the Secretary will track these metrics; and 
(3) recommendations to Congress for improvements to the 
registration process for small unmanned aircraft, if necessary. 
SEC. 372. ENFORCEMENT. 
(a) UAS SAFETY ENFORCEMENT.—The Administrator of the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration shall establish a pilot program to 
utilize available remote detection or identification technologies for 
safety oversight, including enforcement actions against operators 
of unmanned aircraft systems that are not in compliance with 
applicable Federal aviation laws, including regulations. 
(b) REPORTING.—As part of the pilot program, the Administrator 
shall establish and publicize a mechanism for the public and Fed-
eral, State, and local law enforcement to report suspected operation 
of unmanned aircraft in violation of applicable Federal laws and 
regulations. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, and 
annually thereafter through the duration of the pilot program estab-
lished in subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the following: 
(1) The number of unauthorized unmanned aircraft oper-
ations detected in restricted airspace, including in and around 
airports, together with a description of such operations. 
(2) The number of enforcement cases brought by the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration or other Federal agencies for 
unauthorized operation of unmanned aircraft detected through 
the program, together with a description of such cases. 
(3) Recommendations for safety and operational standards 
for unmanned aircraft detection and mitigation systems. 
(4) Recommendations for any legislative or regulatory 
changes related to mitigation or detection or identification of 
unmanned aircraft systems. 
(d) SUNSET.—The pilot program established in subsection (a) 
shall terminate on September 30, 2023. 
(e) CIVIL PENALTIES.—Section 46301 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended—
H. R. 302—128 
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(A), by inserting ‘‘chapter 448,’’ after 
‘‘chapter 447 (except sections 44717 and 44719–44723),’’; 
(2) in subsection (a)(5)(A)(i), by inserting ‘‘chapter 448,’’ 
after ‘‘chapter 447 (except sections 44717–44723),’’; 
(3) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ‘‘chapter 448,’’ after 
‘‘chapter 447 (except sections 44717 and 44719–44723),’’; and 
(4) in subsection (f)(1)(A)(i), by inserting ‘‘chapter 448,’’ 
after ‘‘chapter 447 (except sections 44717 and 44719–44723),’’. 
(f) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the authority of the Administrator to pursue 
an enforcement action for a violation of this subtitle or any other 
applicable provision of aviation safety law or regulation using 
remote detection or identification or other technology following the 
sunset of the pilot program. 
SEC. 373. FEDERAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall— 
(1) conduct a study on the relative roles of the Federal 
Government, State, local and Tribal governments in the regula-
tion and oversight of low-altitude operations of unmanned air-
craft systems in the national airspace system; and 
(2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report on the study, including the Comptroller General’s 
findings and conclusions. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The study under subsection (a) shall review 
the following: 
(1) The current state of the law with respect to Federal 
authority over low-altitude operations of unmanned aircraft 
systems in the national airspace system. 
(2) The current state of the law with respect to State, 
local, and Tribal authority over low-altitude operations of 
unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace system. 
(3) Potential gaps between authorities under paragraphs 
(1) and (2). 
(4) The degree of regulatory consistency required among 
the Federal Government, State governments, local govern-
ments, and Tribal governments for the safe and financially 
viable growth and development of the unmanned aircraft 
industry. 
(5) The interests of Federal, State, local, and Tribal govern-
ments affected by low-altitude operations of unmanned aircraft 
systems and the authorities of those governments to protect 
such interests. 
(6) The infrastructure requirements necessary for moni-
toring the low-altitude operations of small unmanned aircraft 
and enforcing applicable laws. 
SEC. 374. SPECTRUM. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, and after consultation with relevant stakeholders, 
the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, the 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and 
the Federal Communications Commission, shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House