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2017 SESSION

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SB 873 Authority of fire chief over unmanned aircraft systems at a fire, etc.; civil liability.

Introduced by: David W. Marsden | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Authority of fire chief over immediate airspace at a fire, explosion, or uncontrolled release of hazardous materials. Includes immediate airspace under the current authority of the fire chief or other officer in charge of maintaining order where there is imminent danger or the actual occurrence of fire or explosion or the uncontrolled release of hazardous materials that threaten life or property.

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Authority of fire chief over immediate airspace at a fire, explosion, or uncontrolled release of hazardous materials. Includes immediate airspace under the current authority of the fire chief or other officer in charge of maintaining order where there is imminent danger or the actual occurrence of fire or explosion or the uncontrolled release of hazardous materials that threaten life or property. The bill also provides for the Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Department of Health to jointly develop guidelines regarding the use and management of privately owned unmanned aircraft systems in order to maintain order during emergency incidents.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Authority of fire chief over unmanned aircraft systems at a fire, explosion, or other hazardous situation; civil liability. Authorizes a fire chief or other officer in charge to ban or restrict privately owned unmanned aircraft systems at fires, explosions, or other hazardous situations. The bill provides civil immunity for damages to a public safety agency or an employee of such agency if such an unmanned aircraft system is damaged during a ban or restriction.