Federal agencies would be given new authorities to protect communities and buildings from threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, under a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Steve Chabot (R-OH) introduced the Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018, H.R. 6401, to give the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DoJ) new authorities to protect against aerial threats.
“Law enforcement is currently constrained from best defending against potentially dangerous drones due to outdated laws,” McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said. “As with other threats, we must constantly evaluate and adapt our policy and procedures to stay one step ahead.”
H.R. 6401 would enable federal agencies to act “quickly and effectively” to protect government facilities and large-scale events, McCaul added. The bill would also allow counter-drone technology to be deployed in real time to head-off acts of terror or violence.
“By limiting the geographic area where UAS data may be collected and the circumstances data may be maintained, this bill strikes the right balance between the ability of our government to take down a threatening drone and protecting a lawful UAS users’ privacy,” he said.
Chabot said drones are an “exciting new technology with endless possibilities” but raise safety concerns for the general public and government entities.
“The legislation we are introducing today will give law enforcement the tools they need to counter any security risks created by drones used in a threatening manner, especially those used in conjunction with terrorism or other criminal or violent acts,” McCaul said. “The legislation also contains important safeguards to protect the civil liberties of those using drones in a legal and responsible manner.”