Oregon's HB 3426 Ushers in a New Era of Drone Accountability — How ADS Drone Tracker Keeps Emergency Operations Safe and Compliant

Aerial Defense Systems
Apr 29
3 min read

Introduction Oregon House Bill 3426 (HB 3426), passed unanimously in April 2025, marks a pivotal shift in drone regulation. In response to dangerous incidents during the 2024 wildfire season, this law introduces strict penalties—including felony charges—for drone interference with emergency operations such as firefighting, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue.

With drone interference now carrying serious legal consequences, organizations across Oregon must take proactive steps to safeguard their airspace. Enter the ADS Drone Tracker: a real-time drone and pilot detection solution built for fast deployment, rugged environments, and mission-critical situations.

In this article, we break down HB 3426, its implications, and how Aerial Defense Systems (ADS) can help public agencies and event organizers stay compliant and secure with our Airspace Awareness Starter Kit.

What Is HB 3426 and Why It Matters Drone interference has reached a tipping point. During the 2024 wildfire season, 21 unauthorized drone incursions were reported nationally—10 of which grounded active firefighting aircraft, risking property, lives, and frontline responders.

HB 3426 is Oregon's legislative response. Key provisions include:

Class C Felony for intentionally interfering with emergency operations via drone
Class B Misdemeanor for reckless/unintentional interference
Expanded legal protections for fire, police, and SAR airspace
Alignment with federal TFRs, FAA remote ID rules, and pilot certification mandates

The message is clear: airspace safety is now a priority, and enforcement is real.

ADS Drone Tracker: Your HB 3426 Compliance Solution.

The ADS Drone Tracker is a lightweight, LTE-enabled detection tool that identifies nearby drones broadcasting Remote ID and pinpoints their operators. With zero setup and no Wi-Fi required, it empowers security teams, wildfire crews, and emergency responders to detect threats instantly.

How It Helps Agencies Stay HB 3426-Compliant:

Detects drones in restricted zones in real-time
Provides pilot location for law enforcement follow-up
Sends alerts to mobile devices or command centers
Helps document violations for prosecution

Whether you're managing an outdoor event, wildfire perimeter, or high-risk rescue mission, ADS gives you control of your skies.

Why HB 3426 Creates a Surge in Demand for ADS Solutions

Stronger Enforcement = Need for Detection Tools. Agencies must now prove interference to press felony charges. ADS Drone Tracker enables real-time monitoring, incident documentation, and evidence collection—making the law enforceable.
Grant-Eligible, Budget-Friendly Tech Public safety departments may soon receive federal and state grant funding for drone detection solutions. ADS Tracker is cost-effective, field-proven, and compliant with FAA and FCC guidelines.
Prevention Over ProsecutionThe best way to avoid grounding firefighting aircraft? Detect rogue drones before they enter restricted airspace. ADS helps you act before a near-miss becomes a headline.

Airspace Awareness Starter Kit: Try Before You Buy To support HB 3426 implementation,

ADS offers qualified departments a free 7-day field trial of our Airspace Awareness Starter Kit. No obligations. No complexity. Just plug-and-play protection.

Included in the Kit:

1x ADS Drone Tracker handheld unit
Mobile app access for alerts
Onboarding & threat assessment support

Protect Lives. Enforce the Law. Stay Ahead. HB 3426 is just the beginning. As drone-related laws tighten across the country, organizations that invest in airspace security now will be ahead of the curve.

Whether you're with fire, police, emergency management, or a city event team, ADS Drone Tracker ensures you're protected, prepared, and legally covered.