Last week, a group of U.S. Senators introduced the “Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018” which would give the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) the ability to take action against unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) that pose an “unacceptable security risk” to public safety. Specifically, DHS and DOJ personnel would be permitted to take action against drones for the “safety, security or protection” of a “covered facility or asset.” “Covered facility or asset,” according to the bill, refers to operations near the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection; DOJ operations; Federal Bureau of Prisons; National Special Security Events; federal law enforcement investigations; and other mass gatherings. Additionally, the bill allows the DOJ and DHS to “detect, identify, monitor and track [drones] without prior consent, including by means of intercept or other access of a wire communication, an oral communication or an electronic communication used to control the [drone].” Further, the bill would allow the DOJ and DHS to “disrupt control” of the drone, “seize or exercise control” of the drone, as well as confiscate or “use reasonable force to disable, damage or destroy” the drone. The supports of the bill say that threats posed by malicious drones are too great to ignore. Senator Hoeven said, “Developing UAS detection and counter-UAs technologies is a key component necessary for us to safely integrate [drones] into our national airspace. This legislation provides the [DHS] and [DOJ] with the tools they need to protect against [drone] threats to our national security, which will help to ensure the safe use of legitimate [drones] so this industry can continue to grow and develop.” To read the full bill, click here.

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