LANDED Act

This bill, titled the Law Against Nefarious Drones, Enforcement, Deconfliction Act (LANDED Act), aims to empower State law enforcement agencies to detect and stop drones involved in unlawful activities. It directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Attorney General and the FAA Administrator, to establish policies and procedures allowing states to acquire, deploy, operate, and train with approved counter-UAS mitigation systems. An application process will authorize state agencies to take actions such as detecting, identifying, tracking, disrupting, seizing, or disabling unmanned aircraft systems posing threats to public safety, national security, or critical infrastructure. The legislation mandates agreements between DHS and approved state agencies, outlining the specific counter-UAS systems, authorized responses to threats, operational circumstances, and post-event reporting requirements. It also requires consultation with the FCC to ensure counter-UAS systems do not interfere with civilian communications. Furthermore, the bill establishes a mandatory drone deconfliction reporting mechanism for federal, state, and local agencies to prevent conflicts during drone operations. A Counter-UAS Security Grant Program is created to provide funding to eligible state law enforcement and emergency management agencies for acquiring equipment and training personnel. Finally, the bill calls for a review and report by the Inspector General of the Department of Defense on foreign adversary UAS activity over critical military installations and other sensitive areas.