What does Preamble of S 1250 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To authorize Counter-UAS activities on and off commercial service airport property, and for other purposes,' aims to authorize Counter-UAS activities. The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 2, 2025, by Mr. Lee.

What does SHORT TITLE. of S 1250 do?

This Act is formally titled the "Stopping Harmful Incidents to Enforce Lawful Drone Use Act" or the "SHIELD U Act".

What does DEFINITIONS. of S 1250 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Commercial service airport” is defined by reference to 49 U.S.C. § 47102 and includes necessary airspace. “Covered air carrier” refers to air carriers and foreign air carriers as defined in 49 U.S.C. § 40102. “Counter-UAS activities” encompass detecting, warning, disrupting, seizing, or using force against unmanned aircraft or systems. “Navigable airspace” is defined by reference to 49 U.S.C. § 40102. “Non-kinetic equipment” includes equipment used to intercept communications and disrupt control of unmanned aircraft. “Threats posed by an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system” involve unauthorized activities that could cause bodily harm or severe economic damage. “Unmanned aircraft” and “unmanned aircraft system” are defined by reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44801.

What does COUNTER-UAS ACTIVITIES ON COMMERCIAL SERVICE AIRPORT PROPERTY. of S 1250 do?

This section outlines procedures for Counter-UAS activities at commercial service airports. Authorized entities, including the Department of Homeland Security and state/local law enforcement, may carry out Counter-UAS activities to detect, identify, and mitigate threats, consistent with the Fourth Amendment. Testing of Counter-UAS equipment requires consent and consultation with the airport operator. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) are involved in consultations and notifications related to non-kinetic equipment use. Airports are required to update their emergency action preparedness plans to include tactical response plans for unmanned aircraft threats, coordinating with various stakeholders. The definition of 'airport development' under title 49 now includes the purchase of equipment for Counter-UAS activities. The FAA and TSA are tasked with publishing and annually updating guidance on best practices for Counter-UAS activities at commercial service airports.

What does COUNTER-UAS ACTIVITIES OFF COMMERCIAL SERVICE AIRPORT PROPERTY. of S 1250 do?

This section concerns Counter-UAS activities near commercial service airport property. It allows State and local law enforcement agencies to carry out Counter-UAS activities to detect, identify, and mitigate threats posed by unmanned aircraft, consistent with the Fourth Amendment. States and localities may establish testing areas for Counter-UAS equipment, and private sector entities may do so as well, subject to certain conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required to cooperate with these testing efforts unless they create a safety hazard. Testing of non-kinetic equipment requires consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Before using non-kinetic equipment, State and local law enforcement agencies must consult with the FCC and NTIA and create a notification process. The FCC and NTIA have specific duties regarding consultation and notification processes, including deadlines for assigning responsibilities and designating offices. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 is amended to permit coordination between law enforcement agencies and the FAA regarding Counter-UAS activities. The FAA Administrator must establish a process for law enforcement agencies to notify the FAA of active threats and issue warnings to aircraft operators. This interim notification process sunsets when the unmanned aircraft systems traffic management system is fully implemented.

What does AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS TO PROTECT FACILITIES FROM of S 1250 do?

This section authorizes the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Department of Energy to enter into contracts to protect facilities from unmanned aircraft. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council must amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation within 180 days of the Act's enactment to implement this authority. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget must publish lists of eligible vendors and recommended Counter-UAS equipment annually, starting one year after enactment. These lists will be made available to State and local governments. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget must conduct an annual risk assessment to review and reassess the listed vendors and equipment.

What does FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING. of S 1250 do?

This section amends Section 884(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It redesignates paragraph (10) as paragraph (11) and inserts a new paragraph (10). The new paragraph (10) directs the development and implementation of training curricula related to Counter-UAS activities. The curricula must include training on both kinetic and non-kinetic equipment. Training must also cover tactics for detecting, identifying, and mitigating threats from unmanned aircraft. The Director can add other curricula or training as deemed necessary. The training will be available to Federal, State, local, Tribal, territorial law enforcement and security agencies, and private sector security agencies.

What does AUTHORIZED USE OF JAMMING TECHNOLOGY. of S 1250 do?

This section amends Title III of the Communications Act of 1934 to create exceptions for the use of jamming technology against unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. The exceptions apply to State or local law enforcement, and the law enforcement agency of a commercial service airport. These entities are permitted to use 'covered equipment' to detect, identify, or mitigate threats posed by unmanned aircraft, but must do so in consultation with the Commission. The definition of 'covered equipment' includes equipment used to intercept communications controlling unmanned aircraft and disrupt control without prior consent. The amendments modify sections 301, 302, and 333 of the Communications Act to incorporate these exceptions.

What does NO ABROGATION OF TRADITIONAL POLICE POWERS. of S 1250 do?

This section states that the Act does not abrogate the inherent authority of State governments or their subdivisions. The authority includes the power to counter an imminent threat to public health or safety. The listed authority is not exhaustive, as it includes 'but not limited to' examples.

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SHIELD U Act — S. 1250

Last updated: 4/2/2025 · Introduced: 4/2/2025

Author: Mike Lee (R-UT)

TL;DR (AI)

The SHIELD U Act authorizes Counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft system) activities, including detection, warning, disruption, and seizure, on and near commercial service airport property.
It allows state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct Counter-UAS activities to mitigate threats, requiring consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) when using non-kinetic equipment.
The Act expands the definition of 'airport development' to include the purchase of Counter-UAS equipment and mandates that airports update emergency preparedness plans to address unmanned aircraft threats.
It authorizes federal agencies (DOD, DHS, DOJ, DOE) to enter into contracts to protect facilities from unmanned aircraft and establishes a process for listing recommended equipment and vendors.
The Act amends existing laws to permit limited use of jamming technology by state and local law enforcement and commercial service airport law enforcement agencies to counter unmanned aircraft threats, while clarifying that this Act does not limit traditional police powers.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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