Local police could gain authority to disable threatening drones under new federal bill

What does this do?

HR 7525 would expand authority to track, jam, and disable threatening drones beyond federal agencies to include state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement. The FAA would approve participating agencies, permitted equipment, and required training. A three-year pilot program would precede a permanent open-enrollment program.

Who does it affect?

State, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies across the country would be eligible to apply. Drone operators would also be directly affected, as their aircraft could be tracked, controlled, or disabled by local authorities if deemed a credible threat.

Why does it matter?

Expanding anti-drone authority to thousands of additional agencies increases the number of entities with power to intercept or disable aircraft. Drone operators near approved jurisdictions would face a broader range of authorities with legal power to act against their aircraft.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Existing federal grants cover equipment
• Existing federal grants cover training