Defense Against Drones Act of 2025
Defense Against Drones Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Defense Against Drones Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would allow people to shoot down drones flying over their property using shotguns, provided the drone is no higher than 200 feet in the air and the person reasonably believes it's trespassing. If someone shoots down a drone and can identify it through its registration number, they would need to report it to the Federal Aviation Administration within 60 days, including the location and registration details. The bill would not require people to return damaged drones to their owners. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects homeowners concerned about drone privacy, drone owners and operators, and law enforcement.
It's subject to state and local firearm laws, meaning some states could still restrict this activity. The FAA would be required to create regulations to implement the law. Notably, the bill offers some legal protection for shooting down drones on one's own property, though "reasonable belief" that the drone is trespassing could be subject to legal dispute. **Current Status** The bill (HR 1907) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Republican Tim Burchett of Tennessee and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Defense Against Drones Act of 2025This bill allows an individual to shoot an unmanned aircraft (i.e., drone) using a legally obtained shotgun if the individual reasonably believes the drone is flying not more than 200 feet above the individual's property. This is subject to applicable state law on the discharge of a firearm.Not later than 60 days after an event in which an individual shoots a drone and is able to identify its registration number, the individual must report the event's location and the registration number to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An individual may, but shall not be required to, return the drone to the owner at the owner's request.The FAA must issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out this bill.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.