DEFENSE Act
The DEFENSE Act would create a pathway for federal authorities to deputize state or local law enforcement officers to use drone countermeasure tools to protect certain events. Specifically, the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General could authorize deputized officers to act under the existing drone countermeasure authority (the authority granted by subsection (a) of the Homeland Security Act) solely for protecting sites and gatherings that are covered by temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) or other large public gatherings. The bill requires that those deputized officers complete training, ensures federal oversight of their use, and restricts the equipment they can deploy to a federally approved list. The aim is to bolster security at stadiums and other large events by enabling trained local officers to respond to drone-related threats within predefined contexts.
Key Points
- 1Creates a stadium/security deputization program: The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may deputize state or local officers to exercise drone countermeasure authority for defined events/sites.
- 2Scope of protected sites: Deputized officers may operate only for protecting (A) sites under TFRs, (B) eligible large public gatherings described in federal aviation law, or (C) other public gatherings protected by a TFR at the FAA administrator’s discretion.
- 3Training prerequisite: Deputized officers must complete specified training in using the drone countermeasure authority before deputization.
- 4Federal oversight: The implementing agencies (DHS, DOJ, in coordination with DOT/FAA) will oversee how the authority is used.
- 5Equipment restrictions: Only equipment on an authorized list for UAS detection, identification, monitoring, or tracking may be used, with coordination among DHS, DOJ, FAA, FCC, and NTIA to maintain that list.