United StatesHouse Bill 3478HR 3478

Manned Aircraft Clarification Act

Crime and Law Enforcement

2 pages

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senate
president

Last progress May 17, 2025 (6 months ago)

Introduced on May 17, 2025 by John J. McGuire

House Votes

Pending Committee

May 17, 2025 (6 months ago)

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Senate Votes

Vote Data Not Available

This bill narrows a federal crime so it only applies to manned aircraft. It changes the law on destroying or damaging aircraft or aircraft facilities to make clear that the penalties cover manned aircraft, not unmanned ones like drones.

In everyday terms, this means damaging a drone would no longer fall under this specific federal “destruction of aircraft” offense, while harming planes or helicopters with people on board would still be a serious federal crime.

Key points

Who is affected: People who operate, work with, or interact with aircraft and drones.
What changes: The federal penalties for destroying aircraft apply only to manned aircraft; unmanned aircraft are excluded from this offense.
Everyday impact: Fewer federal criminal charges tied specifically to harming drones, though other laws could still apply to drone damage or misuse.

Manned Aircraft Clarification Act

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House Votes

Senate Votes

Presidential Signature

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