<section xmlns="http://xml.house.gov/schemas/uslm/1.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" style="-uslm-lc:I80" id="id03148b0d-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801"><num value="44801">§ 44801.</num><heading> Definitions</heading>
<chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0">In this chapter, the following definitions apply:</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b0e-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/1"><num value="1">(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Actively tethered unmanned aircraft system</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The term “actively tethered unmanned aircraft system” means an unmanned aircraft system in which the unmanned aircraft component—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id03148b0f-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/1/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> weighs 55 pounds or less, including payload but not including the tether;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id03148b10-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/1/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> is physically attached to a ground station with a taut, appropriately load-rated tether that provides continuous power to the unmanned aircraft and is unlikely to be separated from the unmanned aircraft;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id03148b11-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/1/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> is controlled and retrieved by such ground station through physical manipulation of the tether;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id03148b12-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/1/D"><num value="D">(D)</num><content> is able to maintain safe flight control in the event of a power or flight control failure during flight; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id03148b13-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/1/E"><num value="E">(E)</num><content> is programmed to initiate a controlled landing in the event of a tether separation.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b14-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/2"><num value="2">(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Appropriate committees of congress</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “appropriate committees of Congress” means the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b15-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/3"><num value="3">(3)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Arctic</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “Arctic” means the United States zone of the Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, and Bering Sea north of the Aleutian chain.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b16-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/4"><num value="4">(4)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Certificate of waiver; certificate of authorization</inline>.—</heading><content>The terms “certificate of waiver” and “certificate of authorization” mean a Federal Aviation Administration grant of approval for a specific flight operation.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b17-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/5"><num value="5">(5)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Counter-UAS system</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “counter-UAS system” means a system or device capable of lawfully and safely disabling, disrupting, or seizing control of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b18-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/6"><num value="6">(6)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Permanent areas</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “permanent areas” means areas on land or water that provide for launch, recovery, and operation of small unmanned aircraft.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b19-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/7"><num value="7">(7)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Public unmanned aircraft system</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “public unmanned aircraft system” means an unmanned aircraft system that meets the qualifications and conditions required for operation of a public aircraft.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b1a-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/8"><num value="8">(8)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Sense and avoid capability</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “sense and avoid capability” means the capability of an unmanned aircraft to remain a safe distance from and to avoid collisions with other airborne aircraft, structures on the ground, and other objects.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b1b-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/9"><num value="9">(9)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Small unmanned aircraft</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “small unmanned aircraft” means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds, including the weight of anything attached to or carried by the aircraft.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b1c-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/10"><num value="10">(10)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Test range</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “test range” means a defined geographic area where research and development are conducted as authorized by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and includes the test ranges designated by the Administrator under section 44803.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b1d-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/11"><num value="11">(11)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Unmanned aircraft</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “unmanned aircraft” means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b1e-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/12"><num value="12">(12)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Unmanned aircraft system</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “unmanned aircraft system” means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id03148b1f-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11" identifier="/us/usc/t49/s44801/13"><num value="13">(13)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">UTM</inline>.—</heading><content>The term “UTM” means an unmanned aircraft system traffic management system or service.”</content>
</paragraph>
<sourceCredit id="id03148b20-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11">(Added <ref href="/us/pl/115/254/dB/tIII/s341/a">Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 341(a)</ref>, <date date="2018-10-05">Oct. 5, 2018</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/132/3284">132 Stat. 3284</ref>; amended <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/tIX">Pub. L. 118–63, title IX</ref>, §§ 925(b)(1), 926(c), <date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/138/1360">138 Stat. 1360</ref>, 1361.)</sourceCredit>
<notes type="uscNote" id="id03148b21-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11">
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" role="crossHeading" topic="editorialNotes" id="id03148b22-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered"><b>Editorial Notes</b></heading></note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="amendments" id="id03148b23-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Amendments</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2024—Par. (1)(A). <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s926/c/1">Pub. L. 118–63, § 926(c)(1)</ref>, added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: “weighs 4.4 pounds or less, including payload but not including the tether;”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Par. (1)(D), (E). <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s926/c/2">Pub. L. 118–63, § 926(c)(2)</ref>–(4), added subpars. (D) and (E).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Par. (10). <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s925/b/1">Pub. L. 118–63, § 925(b)(1)</ref>, substituted “the test ranges designated by the Administrator under section 44803” for “any of the 6 test ranges established by the Administrator under section 332(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (<ref href="/us/usc/t49/s40101">49 U.S.C. 40101</ref> note), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, and any public entity authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration as an unmanned aircraft system flight test center before <date date="2009-01-01">January 1, 2009</date>”.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" role="crossHeading" topic="statutoryNotes" id="id03148b24-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered"><b>Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries</b></heading></note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id03148b25-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Environmental Review and Noise Certification</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s909">Pub. L. 118–63, title IX, § 909</ref>, <date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/138/1344">138 Stat. 1344</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s909">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">National Environmental Policy Act Guidance</inline>.—</heading><content>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall publish unmanned aircraft system-specific environmental review guidance and implementation procedures and, thereafter, revise such guidance and procedures as appropriate to carry out the requirements of this section.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Prioritization</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The guidance and procedures established by the Administrator under subsection (a) shall include processes that allow for the prioritization of project applications and activities that—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> offset or limit the impacts of non-zero emission activities;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> offset or limit the release of environmental pollutants to soil or water; or</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> demonstrate other factors that benefit human safety or the environment, as determined by the Administrator.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Programmatic Level Approach to NEPA Review</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall examine and integrate programmatic-level approaches to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<ref href="/us/usc/t42/s4321">42 U.S.C. 4321</ref> et seq.) by which the Administrator can—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> leverage an environmental review for unmanned aircraft operations within a defined geographic region, including within and over commercial sites, industrial sites, or other sites closed or restricted to the public; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> leverage an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for nationwide programmatic approaches for large scale distributed unmanned aircraft operations.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="d">“(d)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Developing</inline> 1 <inline class="small-caps">or More Categorical Exclusions.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>The Administrator shall engage in periodic consultations with the Council on Environmental Quality to identify actions that are appropriate for a new categorical exclusion and shall incorporate such actions in FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] Order 1050.1F (or successor order) as considered appropriate by the Administrator to more easily allow for safe commercial operations of unmanned aircraft.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Prior operations</inline>.—</heading><content>The Administrator shall review existing categorical exclusions for applicability to unmanned aircraft operations in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<ref href="/us/usc/t42/s4321">42 U.S.C. 4321</ref> et seq.) and subchapter A of chapter V of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="e">“(e)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Briefing</inline>.—</heading><content>Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>], the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] on the plan of the Administrator to implement subsection (a).</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="f">“(f)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Nonapplication of Noise Certification Requirements Pending Standards Development.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Notwithstanding the requirements of <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44715">section 44715 of title 49</ref>, United States Code, the Administrator shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> waive the determination of compliance with part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for an applicant seeking unmanned aircraft type and airworthiness certifications; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> not deny, withhold, or delay such certifications due to the absence of a noise certification basis under such part, if the Administrator has developed appropriate noise measurement procedures for unmanned aircraft and the Administrator has received from the applicant the noise measurement results based on such procedures.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Duration</inline>.—</heading><content>The nonapplication of the noise certification requirements under paragraph (1) shall continue until the Administrator finalizes the noise certification requirements for unmanned aircraft in part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or another part of title 14 of such Code, as required under paragraph (3).</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Associated uas certification standards.—</inline></heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Development of criteria</inline>.—</heading><content>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop and establish substantive criteria and standard metrics to determine whether to approve an unmanned aircraft pursuant to part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Substantive criteria and standard metrics</inline>.—</heading><content>In establishing the substantive criteria and standard metrics under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall include criteria and metrics related to the noise impacts of an unmanned aircraft.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Publication</inline>.—</heading><content>The Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register and post on the website of the FAA the criteria and metrics established under subparagraph (A).</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="g">“(g)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Concurrent Reviews</inline>.—</heading><content>If the Administrator determines that the design, construction, maintenance and operational sustainability, airworthiness approval, or operational approval of an unmanned aircraft require environmental assessments, including under the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<ref href="/us/usc/t42/s4321">42 U.S.C. 4321</ref> et seq.), the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, conduct such reviews and analyses concurrently.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="h">“(h)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Third-party Support</inline>.—</heading><content>In implementing subsection (a), the Administrator shall allow for the engagement of approved specialized third parties, as appropriate, to support an applicant’s preparation of, or the Administration’s preparation and review of, documentation relating to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<ref href="/us/usc/t42/s4321">42 U.S.C. 4321</ref> et seq.) to ensure streamlined timelines for complex reviews.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="i">“(i)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Rule of Construction</inline>.—</heading><content>Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting, restricting, or otherwise limiting the authority of the Administrator from implementing or complying with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<ref href="/us/usc/t42/s4321">42 U.S.C. 4321</ref> et seq.) and any related requirements to ensure the protection of the environment and aviation safety.”</content>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">[For definition of “unmanned aircraft” as used in <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s909">section 909 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, set out above, see this section, as made applicable by <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s901">section 901 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, which is set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44502">section 44502 of this title</ref>.]</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0316fb26-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s916">Pub. L. 118–63, title IX, § 916</ref>, <date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/138/1351">138 Stat. 1351</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s916">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Not later than 1 year after the termination of the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee pursuant to section 915 [<ref href="/us/stat/138/1351">138 Stat. 1351</ref>], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall establish an Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ‘Advisory Committee’).</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Duties</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Advisory Committee shall provide the Administrator advice on policy- and technical-level issues related to unmanned and autonomous aviation operations and activities, including, at a minimum, the following:</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><chapeau> The safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems and autonomous flight operations into the national airspace system, including feedback on—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> the certification and operational standards of highly automated aircraft, unmanned aircraft, and associated elements of such aircraft;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> coordination of procedures for operations in controlled and uncontrolled airspace; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><content> communication protocols.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> The use cases of unmanned aircraft systems, including evaluating and assessing the potential benefits of using unmanned aircraft systems.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> The development of processes and methodologies to address safety concerns related to the operation of unmanned aircraft systems, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><content> Unmanned aircraft system training, education, and workforce development programs, including evaluating aeronautical knowledge gaps in the unmanned aircraft system workforce, assessing the workforce needs of unmanned aircraft system operations, and establishing a strong pipeline to ensure a robust unmanned aircraft system workforce.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="5">“(5)</num><content> The analysis of unmanned aircraft system data and trends.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="6">“(6)</num><content> Unmanned aircraft system infrastructure, including the use of existing aviation infrastructure and the development of necessary infrastructure.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Membership.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>The Advisory Committee shall be composed of not more than 12 members.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Representatives</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Advisory Committee shall include at least 1 representative of each of the following:</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> Commercial operators of unmanned aircraft systems.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> Unmanned aircraft system manufacturers.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><content> Counter-UAS manufacturers.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="D">“(D)</num><content> FAA [Federal Aviation Administration]-approved unmanned aircraft system service suppliers.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="E">“(E)</num><content> Unmanned aircraft system test ranges under <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44803">section 44803 of title 49</ref>, United States Code.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="F">“(F)</num><content> An unmanned aircraft system physical infrastructure network provider.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="G">“(G)</num><content> Community advocates.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="H">“(H)</num><content> Certified labor organizations representing commercial airline pilots, air traffic control specialists employed by the Administration, certified aircraft maintenance technicians, certified aircraft dispatchers, or aviation safety inspectors.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="I">“(I)</num><content> Academia or a relevant research organization.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Observers</inline>.—</heading><content>The Administrator may invite appropriate representatives of other Federal agencies to observe or provide input on the work of the Advisory Committee, but shall not allow such representatives to participate in any decision-making of the Advisory Committee.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="d">“(d)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Reporting.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>The Advisory Committee shall submit to the Administrator an annual report of the activities, findings, and recommendations of the Committee.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Congressional reporting</inline>.—</heading><content>The Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] the reports required under paragraph (1).</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="e">“(e)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Prohibition</inline>.—</heading><content>The Administrator may not task the Advisory Committee established under this section with a review or the development of recommendations relating to operations conducted under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.”</content>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">[For definitions of terms used in <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s916">section 916 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, set out above, see this section, as made applicable by <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s901">section 901 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, which is set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44502">section 44502 of this title</ref>.]</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0316fb27-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Acceptable Levels of Risk and Risk Assessment Methodology</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s931">Pub. L. 118–63, title IX, § 931</ref>, <date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/138/1367">138 Stat. 1367</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s931">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall develop a risk assessment methodology that allows for the determination of acceptable levels of risk for unmanned aircraft system operations, including operations beyond visual line of sight, conducted—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> under waivers issued to part 107 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> pursuant to <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44807">section 44807 of title 49</ref>, United States Code; or</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> pursuant to other applicable regulations, as appropriate.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Risk Assessment Methodology Considerations</inline>.—</heading><content>In establishing the risk assessment methodology under this section, the Administrator shall ensure alignment with the considerations included in the order issued by the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] titled ‘UAS Safety Risk Management Policy’ (FAA Order 8040.6A), and any subsequent amendments to such order, as the Administrator considers appropriate.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Publication</inline>.—</heading><content>The Administrator shall make the risk assessment methodology established under this section available to the public on an appropriate website of the Administration and update such methodology as necessary.”</content>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">[For definition of “unmanned aircraft system” as used in <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s931">section 931 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, set out above, see this section, as made applicable by <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s901">section 901 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, which is set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44502">section 44502 of this title</ref>.]</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0316fb28-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Special Authority for Transport of Hazardous Materials by Commercial Package Delivery Unmanned Aircraft Systems</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s933">Pub. L. 118–63, title IX, § 933</ref>, <date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/138/1368">138 Stat. 1368</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s933">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Notwithstanding any other Federal requirement or restriction related to the transportation of hazardous materials on aircraft, the Secretary [of Transportation] shall, beginning not later than 180 days after enactment of this section [<date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>], use a risk-based approach to establish the operational requirements, standards, or special permits necessary to approve or authorize an air carrier to transport hazardous materials by unmanned aircraft systems providing common carriage under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or under successor authorities, as applicable, based on the weight, amount, and type of hazardous material being transported and the characteristics of the operations subject to such requirements, standards, or special purposes.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Requirements</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> the safety of the public and users of the national airspace system;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> efficiencies of allowing the safe transportation of hazardous materials by unmanned aircraft systems and whether such transportation complies with the hazardous materials regulations under subchapter C of chapter I of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, including any changes to such regulations issued pursuant to this section;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> the risk profile of the transportation of hazardous materials by unmanned aircraft systems, taking into consideration the risk associated with differing weights, quantities, and packing group classifications of hazardous materials;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><content> mitigations to the risk of the hazardous materials being transported, based on the weight, amount, and type of materials being transported and the characteristics of the operation, including operational and aircraft-based mitigations; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="5">“(5)</num><content> the altitude at which unmanned aircraft operations are conducted.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Safety Risk Assessments</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may require unmanned aircraft systems operators to submit a safety risk assessment acceptable to the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration], as part of the operator certification process, in order for such operators to perform the carriage of hazardous materials as authorized under this section.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="d">“(d)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Conformity of Hazardous Materials Regulations</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary shall make such changes as are necessary to conform the hazardous materials regulations under parts 173 and 175 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to this section. Such changes shall be made concurrently with the activities described in subsection (a).</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="e">“(e)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Stakeholder Input on Changes to the Hazardous Materials Regulations.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Implementation</inline>.—</heading><content>Not later than 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>], the Secretary shall hold a public meeting to obtain input on changes necessary to implement this section.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Periodic updates</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> periodically review, as necessary, amounts of hazardous materials allowed to be carried by unmanned aircraft systems pursuant to this section; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> determine whether such amounts should be revised, based on operational and safety data, without negatively impacting overall aviation safety.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="f">“(f)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Savings Clause</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Nothing in this section shall be construed to—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> limit the authority of the Secretary, the Administrator, or the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration from implementing requirements to ensure the safe carriage of hazardous materials by aircraft; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> confer upon the Administrator the authorities of the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration under part 175 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="g">“(g)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Definition of Hazardous Materials</inline>.—</heading><content>In this section, the term ‘hazardous materials’ has the meaning given such term in <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s5102">section 5102 of title 49</ref>, United States Code.”</content>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">[For definitions of “unmanned aircraft system” and “unmanned aircraft” as used in <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s933">section 933 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, set out above, see this section, as made applicable by <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s901">section 901 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, which is set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44502">section 44502 of this title</ref>.]</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0316fb29-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Operations Over High Seas</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s934">Pub. L. 118–63, title IX, § 934</ref>, <date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/138/1369">138 Stat. 1369</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s934">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>To the extent permitted by treaty obligations of the United States, including the Convention on International Civil Aviation (in this section referred to as ‘ICAO’), the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall work with other civil aviation authorities to establish and implement operational approval processes to permit unmanned aircraft systems to operate over the high seas within flight information regions for which the United States is responsible for operational control.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Consultation</inline>.—</heading><content>In establishing and implementing the operational approval process under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with appropriate stakeholders, including industry stakeholders.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">ICAO Activities</inline>.—</heading><content>Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>], the Administrator shall engage ICAO through the submission of a working paper, panel proposal, or other appropriate mechanism to clarify the permissibility of unmanned aircraft systems to operate over the high seas.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="d">“(d)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Review</inline>.—</heading><content>Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review whether, and to what extent, ICAO member states are approving the operation of unmanned aircraft systems over the high seas and brief the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] regarding the findings of such review.”</content>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">[For definition of “unmanned aircraft system” as used in <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s934">section 934 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, set out above, see this section, as made applicable by <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s901">section 901 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, which is set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44502">section 44502 of this title</ref>.]</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0316fb2a-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Covered Drone Prohibition</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s936">Pub. L. 118–63, title IX, § 936</ref>, <date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/138/1372">138 Stat. 1372</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/118/63/tIX/s936">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Prohibitions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary [of Transportation] is prohibited from—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><chapeau> entering into, extending, or renewing a contract or awarding a grant—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> for the operation, procurement, or contracting action with respect to a covered unmanned aircraft system; or</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> to an entity that operates (as determined by the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration]) a covered unmanned aircraft system in the performance of such contract;</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> issuing a grant to a covered foreign entity for any project related to covered unmanned aircraft systems; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> operating a covered unmanned aircraft system.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Exemptions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary is exempt from any prohibitions under subsection (a) if the grant, operation, procurement, or contracting action is for the purposes of testing, researching, evaluating, analyzing, or training related to—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><chapeau> unmanned aircraft detection systems and counter-UAS systems, including activities conducted—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> under the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence Center of Excellence of the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration]; or</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> by the unmanned aircraft system test ranges designated under <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44803">section 44803 of title 49</ref>, United States Code;</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> the safe, secure, or efficient operation of the national airspace system or maintenance of public safety;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> the safe integration of advanced aviation technologies into the national airspace system, including activities carried out under the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence Center of Excellence of the FAA;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><content> in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, determining security threats of covered unmanned aircraft systems; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="5">“(5)</num><content> intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare operations.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Waivers</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may waive any restrictions under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis by notifying the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] in writing, not later than 15 days after waiving such restrictions, that the procurement or other activity is in the public interest.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="d">“(d)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Replacement of Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary shall take such actions as are necessary to replace any covered unmanned aircraft system that is owned or operated by the Department of Transportation as of the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2024-05-16">May 16, 2024</date>] with an unmanned aircraft system manufactured in the United States or an allied country (as such term is defined in <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s2350f/d/1">section 2350f(d)(1) of title 10</ref>, United States Code) if the capabilities of such covered unmanned aircraft system are consequential to the work of the Department or the mission of the Department.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Funding</inline>.—</heading><content>There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 to carry out this subsection.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="e">“(e)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Effective Dates.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Operations</inline>.—</heading><content>The prohibitions under paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsection (a) shall be in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Grants</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The prohibitions under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> not apply to grants awarded before the date of enactment of this Act; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> apply to grants awarded after the date of enactment of this Act.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="f">“(f)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Application of Prohibitions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The prohibitions under subsection (a) are applicable to all offices and programs of the Department of Transportation, including—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> aviation research grant programs;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> aviation workforce development programs established under section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 [<ref href="/us/pl/115/254">Pub. L. 115–254</ref>] (<ref href="/us/usc/t49/s40101">49 U.S.C. 40101</ref> note);</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> FAA Air Transportation Centers of Excellence;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><content> programs established under sections 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (<ref href="/us/usc/t49/s40101">49 U.S.C. 40101</ref> note); and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="5">“(5)</num><content> the airport improvement program under subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="g">“(g)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Rule of Construction</inline>.—</heading><content>Nothing in this section shall prevent a State, local, Tribal, or territorial governmental agency from procuring or operating a covered unmanned aircraft system purchased with non-Federal funding.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="h">“(h)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Definitions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>In this section:</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Covered foreign country</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The term ‘covered foreign country’ means any of the following:</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> The People’s Republic of China.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> The Russian Federation.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><content> The Islamic Republic of Iran.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="D">“(D)</num><content> The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="E">“(E)</num><content> The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="F">“(F)</num><content> The Republic of Cuba.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="G">“(G)</num><content> Any other country the Secretary determines necessary.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Covered foreign entity</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The term ‘covered foreign entity’ means—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> an entity included on the list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council and published in the System for Award Management;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> an entity included on the Consolidated Screening List or Entity List as designated by the Secretary of Commerce;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><content> an entity that is domiciled in, or under the influence or control of, a covered foreign country; or</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="D">“(D)</num><content> an entity that is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity described under subparagraphs (A) through (C).</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Covered unmanned aircraft system</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The term ‘covered unmanned aircraft system’ means—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> a small unmanned aircraft, an unmanned aircraft, and unmanned aircraft system, or the associated elements of such aircraft and aircraft systems related to the collection and transmission of sensitive information (consisting of communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that enable the operator to operate the aircraft in the National Airspace System which is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> an unmanned aircraft detection system or counter-UAS system that is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity.”</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">[For definitions of terms used in <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s936">section 936 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, set out above, see this section, as made applicable by <ref href="/us/pl/118/63/s901">section 901 of Pub. L. 118–63</ref>, which is set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44502">section 44502 of this title</ref>.]</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0316fb2b-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Unmanned Aircraft Systems Privacy Policy</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/115/254/dB/tIII/s357">Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 357</ref>, <date date="2018-10-05">Oct. 5, 2018</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/132/3305">132 Stat. 3305</ref>, provided that: <quotedContent origin="/us/pl/115/254/dB/tIII/s357">“It is the policy of the United States that the operation of any unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system shall be carried out in a manner that respects and protects personal privacy consistent with the United States Constitution and Federal, State, and local law.”</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0316fb2c-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Strategy for Responding to Public Safety Threats and Enforcement Utility of Unmanned Aircraft Systems</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/115/254/dB/tIII/s366">Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 366</ref>, <date date="2018-10-05">Oct. 5, 2018</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/132/3310">132 Stat. 3310</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/115/254/dB/tIII/s366">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2018-10-05">Oct. 5, 2018</date>], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 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—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> how to identify and respond to public safety threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> 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.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Resources</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>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—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> to respond to public safety threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> 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.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Unmanned Aircraft System Defined</inline>.—</heading><content>In this section, the term ‘unmanned aircraft system’ has the meaning given that term in <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44801">section 44801 of title 49</ref>, United States Code, as added by this Act.”</content>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0316fb2d-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Federal Trade Commission Authority</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/115/254/dB/tIII/s375">Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 375</ref>, <date date="2018-10-05">Oct. 5, 2018</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/132/3314">132 Stat. 3314</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/115/254/dB/tIII/s375">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>A violation of a privacy policy by a person that uses an unmanned aircraft system for compensation or hire, or in the furtherance of a business enterprise, in the national airspace system shall be an unfair and deceptive practice in violation of section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (<ref href="/us/usc/t15/s45/a">15 U.S.C. 45(a)</ref>).</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Definitions</inline>.—</heading><content>In this section, the terms ‘unmanned aircraft’ and ‘unmanned aircraft system’ have the meanings given those terms in <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44801">section 44801 of title 49</ref>, United States Code.”</content>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0316fb2e-2931-11f1-84cf-986a8fef9c11"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Commercial and Governmental Operators</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/115/254/dB/tIII/s379">Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 379</ref>, <date date="2018-10-05">Oct. 5, 2018</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/132/3318">132 Stat. 3318</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/115/254/dB/tIII/s379">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2018-10-05">Oct. 5, 2018</date>], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall, to the extent practicable and consistent with applicable law, make available in a single location on the website of the Department of Transportation:</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> Any certificate of waiver or authorization issued by the Administration to Federal, State, tribal or local governments for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems within 30 days of issuance of such certificate of waiver or authorization.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> A spreadsheet of UAS registrations, including the city, state [probably should be “State”], and zip code of each registered drone owner, on its website that is updated once per quarter each calendar year.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> Summary descriptions and general purposes of public unmanned aircraft operations, including the locations where such unmanned aircraft may generally operate.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><content> Summary descriptions of common civil unmanned aircraft operations.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="5">“(5)</num><content> The expiration date of any authorization of public or civil unmanned aircraft operations.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="6">“(6)</num><content> Links to websites of State agencies that enforce any applicable privacy laws.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="7">“(7)</num><chapeau> For any unmanned aircraft system, except with respect to any operation protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, that will collect personally identifiable information about individuals, including the use of facial recognition—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> the circumstance under which the system will be used;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> the specific kinds of personally identifiable information that the system will collect about individuals; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><chapeau> how the information referred to in subparagraph (B), and the conclusions drawn from such information, will be used, disclosed, and otherwise handled, including—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="i">“(i)</num><content> how the collection or retention of such information that is unrelated to the specific use will be minimized;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="ii">“(ii)</num><content> under what circumstances such information might be sold, leased, or otherwise provided to third parties;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="iii">“(iii)</num><content> the period during which such information will be retained;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="iv">“(iv)</num><content> when and how such information, including information no longer relevant to the specified use, will be destroyed; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="v">“(v)</num><content> steps that will be used to protect against the unauthorized disclosure of any information or data, such as the use of encryption methods and other security features.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="8">“(8)</num><chapeau> With respect to public unmanned aircraft systems—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> the locations where the unmanned aircraft system will operate;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> the time during which the unmanned aircraft system will operate;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><content> the general purpose of the flight; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="D">“(D)</num><content> the technical capabilities that the unmanned aircraft system possesses.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Exceptions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Administrator shall not disclose information pursuant to subsection (a) if the Administrator determines that the release of such information—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> is not applicable;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> is not practicable, including when the information is not available to the Administrator;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> is not in compliance with applicable law;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><content> would compromise national defense, homeland security or law enforcement activity;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="5">“(5)</num><content> would be withheld pursuant to an exception of the [sic] <ref href="/us/usc/t5/s552">section 552 of title 5</ref>, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘Freedom of Information Act’); or</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="6">“(6)</num><content> is otherwise contrary to the public interest.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Sunset</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>This section will cease to be effective on the date that is the earlier of—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> the date of publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or guidance regarding remote identification standards under section 2202 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (<ref href="/us/pl/114/190">Public Law 114–190</ref>; <ref href="/us/stat/130/615">130 Stat. 615</ref> [629]) [<ref href="/us/usc/t49/s44802">49 U.S.C. 44802</ref> note]; or</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> <date date="2023-09-30">September 30, 2023</date>.”</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
</notes>
</section>