WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 10304 · 119th Congress

Drone Safety Statement Modernization Act

IntroducedTransportation and Public Works
IntroducedSep 8, 2026
Passed HouseNot yet
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Introduced. Latest step, Sep 15, 2026: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. It would change 1 section of existing law.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 10304 would change 1 section of existing law. Read from the bill text as introduced in the House (Sep 8, 2026).

49 U.S.C. 44805 Small unmanned aircraft safety standards

  • (h) Exclusions.—The Administrator may exempt from the requirements of this section… changed · Sec. 2(a) · see the words
  • (i) new · Sec. 2(a) · see the words
What the words would change: every change, in place (2)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 49 U.S.C. 44805(h)changedby H.R. 10304 Sec. 2(a)

    (h) Exclusions.—The Administrator may exempt from the requirements of this section (excluding requirements under subsection (i)) small unmanned aircraft systems that are not capable of navigating beyond the visual line of sight of the operator through advanced flight systems and technology, if the Administrator determines that such an exemption does not pose a risk to the safety of the national airspace system.

    The bill says: in subsection (h) by inserting "(excluding requirements under subsection (i))" after "requirements of this section"; and

  2. 49 U.S.C. 44805added (i)by H.R. 10304 Sec. 2(a)

    (i) Safety statements.—(1) In general.— The manufacturer of a small unmanned aircraft system shall—(A) make available to the initial operator of such system the safety statement described in paragraph (2) at the time such operator activates such system for the first time; and(B) require such operator to electronically acknowledge that the operator has read and understands each component of the safety statement.(2) Requirements.— The Administrator shall develop, maintain, and periodically review and revise requirements for the safety statement required under paragraph (1), which shall include—(A) information on, and sources of, laws and regulations applicable to the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems, including—(i) authorizations or regulations depending on the type of operation an individual is conducting and the qualifications or certification of the individual operating such system; and(ii) requirements regarding the operation of a small unmanned aircraft system under section 44809;(B) information on temporary flight restrictions, airspace restrictions specific to unmanned aircraft systems, and other types of airspace restrictions;(C) methods approved by the Administrator for determining whether the operation of a small unmanned aircraft system in particular airspace is lawful or unlawful;(D) recommendations for using small unmanned aircraft systems in a manner that promotes the safety of persons and property;(E) potential consequences for operating a small unmanned aircraft system in an unsafe or unlawful manner, including—(i) potential consequences for operating such a system in restricted airspace; and(ii) any enforcement action the Administrator may pursue against an individual operating a small unmanned aircraft system who endangers the safety of the national airspace system; and(F) the date on which the safety statement was created or last modified.(3) Example statement.—(A) In general.— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall issue and thereafter maintain an example safety statement that satisfies the requirements of paragraph (2).(B) Restriction.— The Administrator may not require a manufacturer of a small unmanned aircraft system to use the example statement issued and maintained under subparagraph (A).

    The bill says: by adding at the end the following:

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

Sourced

The Congressional Research Service hasn't published a summary of this bill yet. They usually follow within weeks of introduction.

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Sep 15, 2026Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.House committee actions
  2. Sep 15, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  3. Sep 15, 2026Subcommittee on Aviation DischargedHouse committee actions
  4. Sep 9, 2026Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.House committee actions
  5. Sep 8, 2026Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.House floor actions
  6. Sep 8, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  7. Sep 8, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

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Cosponsors

  • Dina Titus D-NV-1