Drone Safety at a Crossroads: US Legislature Must Act Now
- by Patrik Pikola
-
Drone safety legislation in the U.S. is evolving rapidly, but significant gaps remain, particularly in the capabilities and capacities of law enforcement agencies to respond to drone incidents. Currently, while federal frameworks exist, such as the FAA Reauthorization Act and the Drone Security, Protection, and Reauthorization Act of 2024, these laws are often too narrow or outdated to provide the comprehensive protections needed by law enforcement and the public. With these existing policies, the federal government has limited authority to deploy anti-drone technologies, and local police are forced to take a patchwork approach to addressing drone incidents.
DroneShield is at the forefront of the advocacy for more robust, clear, and actionable drone policies. This position is based on the belief that U.S. drone legislation must not only equip law enforcement with the tools to mitigate the threat, but must do so in a way that protects citizens’ privacy and civil rights. This dual focus on security and personal liberties is key to the responsible integration of drone technology into American airspace.
It is important to note that current legislation does not adequately address emerging threats such as smuggling, espionage, or the malicious use of drones against critical infrastructure. This leaves local law enforcement and national security agencies without the necessary tools to respond quickly and effectively to these cases. Recent bipartisan efforts to improve coordination between agencies such as the FAA, DOJ, and DHS, and to extend anti-drone powers through 2028, are steps in the right direction. However, these changes are still evolving, and legislation must evolve to keep pace with the pace of technological advancement.
Image: DroneShield DroneSentry-X Mk2 mounted on a law enforcement vehicle
The challenge remains: legislation must not only keep pace with the rapid rise of drone technology, but also equip law enforcement with the clear and actionable authority they need to ensure public safety. DroneShield remains committed to continuing this discussion, advocating for legislative reforms, and supporting the necessary frameworks that will enable informed and effective decision-making to protect communities. As DroneShield continues to gain national media attention and lead discussions about the impacts of drones on public safety, it will remain a key voice in this conversation.
It is time for legislative reform that addresses these urgent needs, and everyone at DroneShield is proud to be part of this vital dialogue.
Committee on Homeland Security resources
