SB19-020 Summary

• Directs the Center of Excellence to study and implement a system to patrol airspace above wildland fires, contingent on available appropriations.

• Requires the patrol system to detect obstacles in airspace above wildfires, including private unmanned aircraft systems that may interfere with aerial firefighting operations.

• Appropriates $350,000 to the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, for the 2019-20 fiscal year from the general fund.

• Takes effect August 2, 2019, unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case approval by voters at the November 2020 general election is required.