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DEFENSE Act
3/13/2025, 5:39 PM
Summary of Bill S 663
The bill allows for the temporary restriction of airspace over certain events, such as large gatherings or high-profile gatherings, to prevent any potential security risks posed by unauthorized aircraft. By deputizing State or local law enforcement officers, the bill aims to provide additional support and resources to ensure the safety and security of these events.
In addition to authorizing the deputization of law enforcement officers, the bill also includes provisions for coordination between federal, State, and local authorities to effectively implement and enforce temporary flight restrictions. This collaboration is crucial in ensuring a seamless and efficient response to any potential security threats. Overall, Bill 119 s 663 seeks to bolster security measures at events with temporary flight restrictions by empowering law enforcement officers to take necessary actions to protect the safety and well-being of attendees. The bill emphasizes the importance of proactive security measures and collaboration between different levels of government to mitigate potential risks and ensure the successful execution of temporary flight restrictions.
Congressional Summary of S 663
Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment Act or the DEFENSE Act
This bill allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deputize state or local law enforcement officers to take certain drone countermeasures to protect stadiums and other public gatherings.
Specifically, DHS or DOJ may provide state or local law enforcement officers with the authority to identify, monitor, and track drones; warn drone operators; disrupt or take control of drones; or use reasonable force to disable, damage, and seize or destroy drones deemed to pose a threat.
This authority applies for the purposes of protecting an event, stadium, or venue; certain large public gatherings (e.g., gatherings that are primarily outdoors with an estimated attendance of at least 100,000 people); or other public gatherings protected by specific temporary flight restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Prior to being deputized, a state or local law enforcement officer must complete training in the use of the drone countermeasure authority.
DHS or DOJ, in coordination with the Department of Transportation and the FAA, must exercise oversight over the use of this authority by deputized state or local law enforcement officers.
Finally, the bill limits the equipment authorized for detecting, identifying, monitoring, or tracking drones to systems or technologies that are included on a list of authorized equipment maintained by DHS, in coordination with DOJ, the FAA, the Federal Communications Commission, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
