Gallagher Introduces Drone Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), alongside Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Peter Meijer (R-MI), yesterday introduced the Drone Act which would create comprehensive federal criminal law prohibiting the most dangerous uses of drones.

"Drones can be useful pieces of technology for commerce and recreation, but in the hands of terrorist organizations, drug traffickers, or irresponsible operators, can be a threat to our homeland security," said Rep. Gallagher. "The Drone Act would create federal guidelines to ensure this technology is used responsibly and that bad actors are held accountable. I look forward to seeing this bill pass the House."

"This legislation would help prevent increased risks to public safety and national security that are associated with drones by creating comprehensive federal criminal law prohibiting their most dangerous uses. Most importantly, it would expressly prohibit attaching a weapon to a drone. I'll continue working to find balance between Nevada's growing drone industry and keeping our skies safe for all users," said Rep. Titus.

"As technology advances and terrorists continue to innovate, our national security must keep up. Confronting the threat of lone wolf ISIS-inspired terrorists and those who wish to harm our communities must be a top priority. It's key to protecting our homeland," said Rep. Gottheimer. "This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help keep our families, communities, and nation safe."

"Drone technology has the potential to transform the way we conduct business in our country," said Rep. Meijer. "At the same time, we must ensure that bad actors cannot use drones to facilitate illegal activity and cause harm to our society, and this is especially important at our southern border where drug and human traffickers are known to use drones to commit crimes and bolster their operations. I am glad to help lead this effort to modernize existing law, deter criminal activity, and enhance public safety."

The Drone Act of 2022 would:

• Prohibit attaching a weapon to a drone.
• Prohibit the willful removal of drone identification numbers and the disabling of their transmissions and anti-collision lights.
• Subject anyone trying to get a prohibited object into a prison by way of a drone with a 10-year prison sentence.
• Apply the same penalties to drone operators who knowingly or recklessly interfere with motor vehicles, boats, and spacecraft, as those who knowingly or recklessly interfere with airplanes and runways.
• Prohibit, with up to a two-year prison sentence, the reckless or knowing interference of another emergency-response activity, law-enforcement activity, or military operation.

Click HERE for bill text.