Eric Burlison (R-MO)
Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act," authorizes the FAA Administrator to take actions to detect or mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems. It establishes pilot programs to allow State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to use approved counter-UAS mitigation technology. One specific pilot program is dedicated to metropolitan cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Act provides a framework for these agencies to acquire, deploy, and operate equipment to protect high-risk facilities or assets. It also outlines a process for permanent authorization for registered agencies following the pilot phases.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Would people in cities be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets increased security for metropolitan cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Scored +4
Does this change how police departments operate?
The bill provides law enforcement agencies with new authorized tools and technology to detect and mitigate drone threats.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill authorizes the tracking and interception of electronic communications used to control unmanned aircraft systems.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The authority to intercept and access communications used to control aircraft may infringe upon privacy expectations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Security for High-Risk Areas: The bill allows law enforcement to detect, monitor, and mitigate credible threats to the safety or security of covered facilities or assets (Section 2(a)(2); Section 3(b)(4)).
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Specialized Protection for Major Events: A specific pilot program provides enhanced security capabilities for cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Section 3(c)).
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Safety of the National Airspace: The Administrator is authorized to take actions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the national airspace system (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Privacy Protections: The Act requires that the interception of communications be conducted in a manner consistent with the First and Fourth Amendments and only to the extent necessary to support authorized actions (Section 2(b)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Interference with Communications: The Administrator may intercept, access, or maintain wire, oral, or electronic communications used to control an unmanned aircraft (Section 2(a)(2)(A)).
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Disruption of Aircraft Control: Authorized actions include the ability to disrupt control of, disable, damage, or destroy an unmanned aircraft or its control system (Section 2(a)(2)(D)).
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Potential for Privacy and Civil Liberties Issues: While protections are included, the bill requires the Administrator to report any known privacy or civil liberties complaints regarding the use of these authorities (Section 3(b)(5); Section 3(c)(5)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets increased security for metropolitan cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill provides law enforcement agencies with new authorized tools and technology to detect and mitigate drone threats.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill authorizes the tracking and interception of electronic communications used to control unmanned aircraft systems.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the FAA Administrator to report any known privacy or civil liberties complaints to Congress. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The authority to intercept and access communications used to control aircraft may infringe upon privacy expectations.
- 2/13/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 2/12/2026
- 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.
- Introduced in House