This bill (S.4309) adds a new section to chapter 448 of title 49, U.S. Code, to create a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot program for small, nonlethal "deescalation" unmanned aircraft used by Federal, State, local, or Tribal law enforcement in active shooter events. The bill reaffirms the existing prohibition on unmanned aircraft armed with dangerous weapons from the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act. The FAA must establish the pilot program within 2 months of the bill's enactment. The pilot program must: review and validate nonlethal weapons that can be affixed to drones; set training protocols for law enforcement and FAA agents; set operational and safety protocols; and assess the efficacy of nonlethal drones in indoor active shooter events and any safety benefits from increasing engagement distance. The FAA is to use existing unmanned aircraft system test ranges and may enter interagency aviation agreements with the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and State law enforcement agencies. The FAA must solicit stakeholder input. Not later than 3 months after the pilot ends, the FAA must report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and include a plan for how law enforcement applicants may seek permission to operate such drones. Within 60 days after that report, the FAA must begin rulemaking to create an approval process for law enforcement operations during active shooter events and for manufacturers to test and validate devices. The bill requires any drones used under the pilot to be manufactured in the United States (per FTC rules). The bill also defines "active shooter event," "nonlethal deescalation unmanned aircraft," and "nonlethal weapon."
No publicly available information on funding levels, appropriations, or estimated costs for the pilot program, rulemaking, or interagency agreements is included in the bill text. The bill sets timing requirements for establishment (within 2 months), reporting (3 months after pilot conclusion), and initiating rulemaking (60 days after the report) but does not state the pilot's duration or budget.
The bill text states the pilot program will review and validate nonlethal weapons for use on unmanned aircraft, establish training and safety protocols, and assess the efficacy of nonlethal deescalation unmanned aircraft in indoor active shooter events, including any safety benefits from increasing the engagement distance between officers and an active shooter. It also directs partnerships with test ranges and law enforcement and requires a report and subsequent rulemaking.
No publicly available information on opposition views or stated concerns is included in the bill text or provided metadata.