SAFER SKIES Act
Sponsored By: Senator Gary Peters
Introduced
Summary
Expands federal and state counter‑UAS authority to let agencies detect, stop, and seize dangerous drones. It would pair new powers with certified training, an interagency tech list, grants for public‑safety drone programs, and tougher penalties.
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- Families and the public would gain added protection at large venues, critical infrastructure, and correctional facilities because State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement and correctional agencies would be authorized to mitigate credible UAS threats after national training and certification. Training procedures would be developed within 180 days and a single national schoolhouse would certify agencies.
- State and local agencies would be eligible for grants to buy and operate unmanned aircraft systems and approved counter‑UAS equipment for public safety, tied to a jointly maintained interagency list of authorized technologies.
- Enforcement and oversight would be stronger. The bill would increase criminal penalties, including up to 5 years for repeat offenses, order sentencing guideline increases, authorize civil fines up to $100,000 for unauthorized counter‑UAS actions, and require regular reports, audits, and sunsets for the authorities in 2031.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
New counter‑drone powers and rules
If enacted, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General would get broader authority to stop dangerous drones. State, local, Tribal, and territorial agencies would only get similar powers after training and certification from a national schoolhouse to be set within 180 days. Agencies would be limited to equipment on a joint authorized‑technology list kept by several federal agencies. The bill would also require a 48‑hour report after any mitigation and a public report within one year and then every two years. The expanded authorities would end on Sept 30, 2031 (federal covered facilities) and Dec 31, 2031 (SLTT agencies).
Higher criminal punishments for drone crimes
If enacted, federal penalties for unlawful drone uses would rise. A second or later national defense airspace conviction could carry up to 5 years in prison. Using a drone to give contraband to an inmate would add 5 years. If a drone is used to help commit a felony, the maximum prison term would be doubled or increased by 5 years, whichever is less. The U.S. Sentencing Commission would raise guideline ranges by at least 6 levels in enhanced cases and at least 4 levels in other UAS cases. The definition of "unmanned aircraft" would follow 49 U.S.C. 44801. These penalty changes would take effect about 30 days after enactment.
Fines, forfeiture, and civil enforcement rules
If enacted, authorized counter‑drone actors who act without required Federal coordination could face civil fines up to $100,000 per violation and temporary suspension of authority. The Attorney General would be able to sue in federal court to collect those fines, starting 30 days after enactment. Drones seized by State, local, Tribal, or territorial agencies could be forfeited under local law beginning upon enactment.
Grants and reimbursement for drone tools
If enacted, certain public‑safety grants would be allowed to buy and operate drones and approved counter‑drone systems on the authorized list. DHS and DOJ would also have to give Congress a plan within 180 days for reimbursing Federal agencies that protect events run by non‑Federal organizers. The bill would not itself appropriate money or set reimbursement payment rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Gary Peters
MI • D
Cosponsors
Chuck Grassley
IA • R
Sponsored 12/15/2025
Ron Johnson
WI • R
Sponsored 12/15/2025
Catherine Cortez Masto
NV • D
Sponsored 12/15/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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