Plain Language Summary
# SHIELD U Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The SHIELD U Act would expand the ability of police, airport security, and federal agencies to detect, identify, and stop threatening drones. Currently, these powers are limited. The bill would allow the Department of Homeland Security and state/local law enforcement to use counter-drone technology and tactics at commercial airports and surrounding areas.
It also requires commercial airports to create task forces that develop plans for responding to drone threats, and it directs the FAA and Transportation Security Administration to coordinate with local police on drone-related activities. **Who It Affects:** Airport operators and security personnel, state and local police departments, federal agencies like DHS and the FAA, and potentially the general public using airports. The bill primarily addresses security concerns related to drones near airports and populated areas where law enforcement currently lacks clear authority to act. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Stopping Harmful Incidents to Enforce Lawful Drone Use Act or the SHIELD U Act This bill authorizes and expands counter-drone activities by state, local, and airport law enforcement, and federal agencies.Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state, local, and airport law enforcement to carry out Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Counter-UAS) activities on commercial service airport property to detect, identify, and mitigate threats posed by unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones).Further, the bill authorizes state and local law enforcement to carry out Counter-UAS activities off commercial airport property; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must establish a process that allows for collaboration and coordination with these entities.In addition, each commercial airport must convene a task force to establish or modify the airport's tactical response plan for drone threats. The FAA and Transportation Security Administration must also publish (and update annually) best practices guidance on Counter-UAS activities at commercial service airports.The bill also allows DHS and the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Energy to contract with other entities to carry out authorized Counter-UAS activities.Further, the bill amends restrictions on the use of radio frequency jamming technology to allow state, local, and airport law enforcement to use the technology to detect, identify, or mitigate a drone threat.Finally, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers must develop and implement training curricula on the use of Counter-UAS activities. The training must be available to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, as well as private sector security agencies.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.