Bill seeks to address dangerous drone use

U.S. Reps. Peter Meijer (R-MI), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) recently introduced legislation that seeks to create comprehensive federal restrictions to prohibit the most dangerous drone uses.

The Drone Act would, among other provisions, 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; and subject anyone attempting to get a prohibited object into prison by way of drone with a 10-year prison sentence.

“Drone technology has the potential to transform the way we conduct business in our country,” Meijer said. “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.”

Gallagher said drones can be useful technology for commerce and recreation but can threaten the nation’s homeland security in the hands of terrorist organizations, drug traffickers, or irresponsible operators.

“The Drone Act would create federal guidelines to ensure this technology is used responsibly and that bad actors are held accountable,” he said. “I look forward to seeing this bill pass the House.”