What does Preamble of Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to amend title 49 of the United States Code. It proposes establishing a pilot program for small, nonlethal deescalation unmanned aircraft. The pilot program is intended for use by law enforcement and public safety entities.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2026.

What does SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT PILOT PROGRAM FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND of Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a Small Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Program for Law Enforcement and Public Safety. The program will review the potential use of nonlethal deescalation unmanned aircraft by Federal, State, local, or Tribal law enforcement responding to active shooter events. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration is required to establish the pilot program within two months of enactment. The pilot program will address weapon validation, training protocols, operational and safety protocols, and efficacy assessments. The Administrator must use existing partnerships with unmanned aircraft system test ranges and collaborate with law enforcement agencies. A report on the pilot program’s results, including a proposed process for law enforcement to operate nonlethal deescalation unmanned aircraft, must be submitted to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure within three months of the program's conclusion. The Administrator is required to initiate rulemaking within 60 days of submitting the report to create a process for approval of nonlethal deescalation unmanned aircraft operation. Any unmanned aircraft used in the pilot program must be manufactured in the United States. The section defines key terms such as 'active shooter event' and 'nonlethal deescalation unmanned aircraft'.

Back to bills

Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/15/2026 · Introduced: 4/15/2026

Author: James Justice (R-WV)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill creates a pilot program within the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate the use of small, nonlethal drones by law enforcement and public safety entities responding to active shooter events.
The program will assess operational and safety protocols, training requirements, and the effectiveness of these drones, culminating in a report to Congress and potential rulemaking for future approval.
Drones used in the pilot program must be manufactured in the United States.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account