The SAFER SKIES Act expands the authority to use counter-drone technology to combat threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems. The bill grants the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice broad power to disable, seize, or destroy threatening drones near sensitive facilities, and extends similar authority to certified state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement and correctional agencies after completing mandatory training through a national certification program. These agencies must report drone mitigation actions to federal authorities within 48 hours, with biannual congressional reporting on all counter-drone activities. The bill defines key terms like correctional facilities and critical infrastructure, and requires federal agencies to develop a reimbursement plan within 180 days for providing counter-drone protection at non-federal events. These counter-drone authorities are set to expire on September 30, 2031 for federal use and December 31, 2031 for state and local agencies.
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