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119-hr-1907119th Congress

Defense Against Drones Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]

In Committee

Summary

Permission for property owners to shoot drones. This bill would let an individual use a legally obtained shotgun to shoot an unmanned aircraft they reasonably believe is flying not more than 200 feet above the individual's property, while leaving state firearm rules and state tort and criminal laws in place.

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  • Property owners: Could shoot a drone flying not more than 200 feet above their land when they reasonably believe it is over their property. Actions must comply with applicable state laws on discharging a firearm and remain subject to state tort or criminal liability.
  • Drone owners and operators: Face the risk the drone will be damaged or lost. Owners may request return of the drone but the shooter is not required to return it.
  • Federal regulators: If the shooter can identify the drone's registration number they must report the event location and registration to the Federal Aviation Administration within 60 days. The FAA must issue regulations necessary to implement the section.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Homeowners could shoot low-flying drones

If enacted, you could shoot a drone over your land in narrow cases. You would need a legally owned shotgun and must follow your state's gun discharge laws. You would need to reasonably believe the drone is at or below 200 feet over property you own. If you can read its registration number, you must report the event to the Federal Aviation Administration within 60 days and include the address and the number. You may return the drone to its owner if asked, but you would not have to. States could still charge or sue you under state law. The FAA Administrator would issue rules to carry this out.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]

TN • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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