What does Preamble of LANDED Act do?

This bill aims to establish mechanisms for state law enforcement to coordinate with the Federal Government. The coordination is intended to detect and stop drones involved in unlawful activities.

What does DEFINITIONS. of LANDED Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. Terms from section 44801 of title 49, United States Code, are applied to this Act. An 'approved counter-UAS detection system' is defined as a system capable of lawfully and safely disabling, disrupting, or seizing control of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system. “Threats posed by an unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft system” refers to unauthorized activities reasonably believed to create potential for bodily harm, threaten public safety or critical infrastructure, or cause severe economic damage. An 'unmanned aircraft system' is defined as an unmanned aircraft and its associated elements, including communication links and control components, necessary for safe and efficient operation in the national airspace system.

What does COUNTER-UAS MITIGATION LAW ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION. of LANDED Act do?

This section establishes a process for State law enforcement agencies to acquire, deploy, operate, and train with approved counter-UAS mitigation systems. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Attorney General and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, is responsible for establishing policies, procedures, and protocols for this process. State law enforcement agencies must apply for authorization to use counter-UAS mitigation systems, and upon approval, enter into an agreement with the Secretary specifying operational terms and conditions. The agreements will outline approved systems, authority to respond to threats, operational time periods, safety conditions, site visit frequency, and post-event reporting requirements. Authorized personnel may take actions to detect, identify, monitor, track, or mitigate credible threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be consulted to ensure counter-UAS systems do not disrupt civilian communications. The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration can authorize equipment. State law enforcement agencies must submit post-event reports within 24 hours of UAS mitigation. The Secretary can revoke authorization if an entity fails to maintain an acceptable agreement with a State law enforcement agency or comply with privacy protections. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration must determine if counter-UAS system use will interfere with the national airspace system and may restrict use if interference cannot be safely mitigated.

What does MANDATORY DRONE DECONFLICTION REPORTING. of LANDED Act do?

This section establishes a requirement for deconfliction policies regarding drones used by Federal, State, and local agencies. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, must establish these policies within 180 days of a counter-UAS system meeting specific requirements. A mandatory nonemergency reporting requirement mechanism will be established for Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. The reporting requirement will include a database of drones in nonemergency operation, containing their transponder ID and usage date/time. The reporting system will also provide a method for law enforcement to check if a drone's transponder is in the database and currently in use.

What does RAPID RESPONSE. of LANDED Act do?

This section establishes a rapid response mechanism for the Secretary of Homeland Security to address State requests for assistance related to Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) mitigation situations in emergencies. The Secretary is authorized to act rapidly, overriding other provisions of the Act, when responding to such requests. The Secretary must create a process to facilitate this rapid response.

What does COUNTER-UAS SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM. of LANDED Act do?

This section establishes the Counter-UAS Security Grant Program within the Department. The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, will award grants to eligible State law enforcement and emergency management agencies. Grants can be used to acquire approved counter-UAS systems and pay for training approved personnel. Recipients may also use grant funds for other appropriate activities, including administrative costs, as determined by the Administrator. Funds provided under this section must be available for use by a recipient for a period of not less than 24 months.

What does REVIEW AND REPORT ON UAS ACTIVITY. of LANDED Act do?

This section requires the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to review potential foreign adversary connected Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) activity. The review encompasses activity over critical military installations, vessels, aircraft, and the homeland. The Inspector General must submit a report to specified committees within 90 days of the Act's enactment. The report must address UAS activity over military installations, proximity to sensitive installations, and near U.S. military/law enforcement assets. The report also covers instances of the executive branch not sharing UAS information with Congress, deployment of counter-UAS systems, and analysis of near-peer actors' capabilities. The 'relevant committees' include several committees from both the House and Senate, spanning Armed Services, Homeland Security, Transportation, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, and Oversight. The report is to be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

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LANDED Act

Last updated: 11/13/2025 · Introduced: 11/12/2025

Author: Christopher Smith (R-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a process for state law enforcement agencies to acquire and use counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft system) mitigation systems with federal oversight and authorization.
It mandates the creation of deconfliction policies and a reporting system for drones used by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies during nonemergency operations.
The bill authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to rapidly respond to state requests for assistance in UAS mitigation emergencies, potentially overriding other provisions.
It establishes a Counter-UAS Security Grant Program to provide funding to state law enforcement and emergency management agencies for acquiring counter-UAS systems and training.
The Department of Defense Inspector General must review potential foreign adversary UAS activity over critical military assets and report findings to Congress within 90 days.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, definitions., and 5 more.

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