Drone First Responder Rules

At a glance

What: BL2026-1498 amends Section 13.08.080 of the Metropolitan Code on the use of drones as first responder programs, unmanned aircraft systems and surveillance technology.
Where it stands: Passed third reading on September 1, 2026 by roll call, 27 yes, 3 no, 1 abstain, 9 absent.
Vote: No: Hancock, Webb and Eslick. Abstain: Styles. Absent: Bradford, Welsch, Kupin, Horton, Taylor, Weiner, Gadd, Johnston and Sepulveda.

Council Member Porterfield moved passage on third reading. The minutes do not summarize the discussion.

August 4 (first reading): BL2026-1498, then titled for the use of unmanned aircraft systems and surveillance technology, passed first reading and was referred to the Public Health and Safety Committee.
August 18 (second reading): The committee approved the bill with a substitute. Council Member Sepulveda moved passage and offered the substitute, which added "drones as first responder programs" to the title; it was adopted by voice vote with Hancock voting no and Styles abstaining. Sepulveda then moved to suspend the rules to introduce a late Amendment No. 1 (no objection; adopted by voice vote) and passage as substituted and amended, approved by voice vote with Hancock and Eslick voting no and Styles abstaining.
The minutes do not describe the content of the substitute or the amendment.

Passed third reading 27-3-1.

Substitute and late amendment adopted; passed second reading (Hancock and Eslick no; Styles abstaining).

Passed first reading; referred to Public Health and Safety.