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Congress·In Committee

Congress Proposes Giving Local Police Power to Jam or Destroy Dangerous Drones

Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act

21 days ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Key Points

  • This bill would allow local, state, and tribal police to use special technology to track, take control of, or even destroy drones that are considered a credible threat to safety or the national airspace.
  • Up to 4,000 police departments across the country could join a three-year test program to start using these tools to protect high-risk areas, airports, and large public events.
  • A special fast-track version of the program would be set up specifically for cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup to help keep the tournament matches and fans safe from drone-related risks.
  • To protect privacy, the bill requires police to follow the Constitution and delete any recorded communications from drones immediately unless they are needed for a criminal investigation or prosecution.
  • Police departments would be allowed to use existing federal grants to pay for the new equipment and the training required to operate it safely.
Criminal JusticeInfrastructure TransportationTechnology DigitalNational Security Foreign Policy

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 12, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Feb 12, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 15 days of enactment

Application process opens for the FIFA World Cup counter-drone pilot program

Law enforcement agencies in cities hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup matches can apply to get counter-drone technology and authority to protect stadiums and surrounding areas during the tournament.

60 days after enactment

General pilot program begins accepting up to 1,000 law enforcement agencies

Police departments across the country can start applying to join the counter-drone program. In the first year, up to 1,000 agencies can be approved to use drone-stopping technology near high-risk locations.

Related News

1 article
KZRG·14 days ago

Morning News Watch: U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison on Iran, drone security, and extraterrestrials

Congressman Eric Burlison has introduced the Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act, which would grant law enforcement temporary authority to disable drones during major events like the 2026 World Cup. Burlison noted that local police are often the first to confront these threats.

CR+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act

Bill NumberHR 7525
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.