Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: autonomous firefighting pilot project.

Summary

AB 270 directs the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to launch a testbed using a helicopter equipped with autonomous aerial suppression technology. The pilot must involve local, state, tribal and federal fire agencies in training and familiarization, and a performance review must be completed within 60 days of the project’s end (or by Jan. 1, 2029). The goal is to evaluate safety, effectiveness and integration potential for future wildfire response.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Vote

From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (May 1). · May 1, 2025

Hearings

• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 23, 2025
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 14, 2025
• Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Hearing
  Privacy and Consumer Protection · May 1, 2025
• Emergency Management Committee Hearing
  Emergency Management · Apr 7, 2025

History

1. Feb 2, 2026From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. Jan 31, 2026Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
3. May 23, 2025In committee: Held under submission.
4. May 14, 2025In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.
5. May 6, 2025Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
6. May 5, 2025Read second time and amended.
7. May 1, 2025From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (May 1).
8. Apr 8, 2025From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 7). Re-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.
9. Apr 7, 2025Re-referred to Com. on E.M.
10. Apr 3, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on E.M. Read second time and amended.
11. Feb 10, 2025Referred to Coms. on E.M and P. & C.P.
12. Jan 22, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee February 21.

The 12 most recent of 13 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Petrie-Norris · sponsor

Bill text

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