WASHINGTON, D.C.—A provision based on bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Ron Johnson (R-WI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) that will enable state and local law enforcement to disable drones that threaten public safety and extend these authorities at the federal level has passed the Senate as part of the annual national defense legislation. The bill would extend these authorities through 2031, ensuring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) can respond to drone threats near airports, stadiums, and other sensitive locations. The legislation also for the first time enables state and local law enforcement to counter dangerous drones at a number of critical events. These authorities are especially important as the U.S. prepares to host major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“Drone technologies continue to become more advanced and more readily available, so we must take every step necessary to ensure law enforcement can respond to threats that drones could pose to sporting events, large gatherings and critical infrastructure,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation would give law enforcement agencies the authority they need to disable drones that pose an immediate safety threat to help protect the public and property from serious harm.”
“Thank you to President Trump for insisting on the SAFER Skies Act in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act,” said Senator Johnson. “Since 2018, I led congressional actions to protect Americans from malicious drone activities by giving DOJ and DHS authorities needed to quickly mitigate these threats when they occur. This bill extends those authorities to better equip state and local law enforcement, and I am pleased they will be enacted into law.”
“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act will expand counter-drone authorities to ensure state and local law enforcement agencies are able to effectively defend their communities against criminal drone use,”said Senator Grassley. “I’m proud to have worked with Senator Peters to get this much-needed provision, and longtime priority of ours, across the finish line.”
“Law enforcement and first responders in Nevada face unique public safety challenges, from combatting dangerous wildfires to managing major gatherings like sporting events and concerts,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud to have helped pass this bipartisan legislation to extend our local and Tribal police’s ability to prevent drones from intruding upon wildland firefighting efforts or threatening mass gatherings.”
The provision requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to train state and local law enforcement officers on the proper use of counter-drone technology before it is deployed, and it makes DOJ grant funding available to allow state and local law enforcement to purchase approved counter-drone equipment. Additionally, the provision increases the scope of DHS and DOJ’s counter-drone authority to allow federal law enforcement officers to protect additional facilities and assets from drone threats, including major airports, seeing an influx of drone incursions. The provision would also impose criminal penalties for certain offenses committed using a drone.
Peters has long supported efforts to strengthen drone response capabilities, including expanding access to safe drone-disabling technologies for state and local law enforcement. His bipartisan legislation was backed by a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the National Football League, airport operators, and law enforcement organizations.
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