AB 270: Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: autonomous firefighting pilot project.

The bill aims to assess the effectiveness of autonomous aerial suppression technology in firefighting. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is required to establish a pilot project to test the technology in California. Local, state, tribal, and federal fire agencies are invited to participate in familiarization and training activities. The pilot project must be completed within 60 days or by January 1, 2029, whichever comes first. After the pilot project, leading fire professionals will evaluate its performance and determine how to incorporate the technology into existing wildfire mitigation efforts. The operator of the autonomous aerial suppression technology must also submit reports to the department and the legislature.