This bill reauthorizes and reforms federal authorities for detecting and countering unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, that pose security or safety threats. It extends counter-drone powers for the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department, and the FAA through October 2029, while adding new safeguards such as required FAA safety reviews before agencies can disable or seize drones, a public list of approved counter-drone equipment, bans on using Chinese-made counter-drone technology, and stricter rules for handling intercepted communications. It creates new pilot programs allowing state and local law enforcement, in partnership with operators of critical infrastructure sites like power plants, chemical facilities, and large public events, to apply for authority to detect and mitigate drone threats. The bill also directs the FAA to develop a nationwide strategic plan and deploy approved detection systems at major airports within set timelines—30 months for large hub airports and up to four years for medium hub airports—along with a mitigation pilot program at up to five airports. Finally, it establishes new penalties for reckless or unauthorized use of counter-drone technology and requires regular public reporting and inspector general audits to ensure transparency, privacy protections, and accountability in how these authorities are used.
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