SAFER SKIES Act
Sponsored By: Senator Gary Peters
Introduced
Summary
Expands federal and state counter‑UAS authority so trained officials can detect and stop threatening drones near people, critical infrastructure, and large events. It pairs new operational powers with required training, a national certifying "schoolhouse", an approved-technology list, grant and reimbursement authorities, and tougher criminal and civil penalties.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Extra prison time for drone smuggling to inmates
If enacted, someone convicted under 18 U.S.C. 1791 who knowingly used an unmanned aircraft to give a prohibited object to an inmate would face an additional 5 years added to the maximum prison term otherwise provided by law. This change would take effect 30 days after enactment.
Higher penalty for repeat airspace violations
If enacted, a second or later conviction for violating national defense airspace rules (49 U.S.C. 46307) would be punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a fine, or both. This change would take effect 30 days after enactment.
Longer felony terms when a drone is used
If enacted, when a person knowingly used a drone during or to further a felony (not a drone‑only offense), the statutory maximum prison time for that felony would be increased either by doubling the maximum or by adding 5 years, whichever gives the smaller increase. The change would apply at sentencing and take effect 30 days after enactment.
Sentencing guidelines raised for drone crimes
If enacted, the U.S. Sentencing Commission would be directed to raise guideline offense levels for crimes involving unmanned aircraft. Where enhanced statutory penalties apply, the base offense level would increase by at least 6 levels; in other cases it would increase by at least 4 levels. The direction to change guidelines would take effect 30 days after enactment.
Local police and prisons: counter‑drone rules
If enacted, State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement and correctional agencies would be allowed to use approved counter‑drone actions to stop credible threats to people, facilities, large gatherings, critical infrastructure, and prisons. Officers would have to finish Attorney General–approved training and be certified by a new national schoolhouse before using the authority. Agencies would need to coordinate with federal partners, use only technologies on a jointly maintained authorized technologies list, and notify DOJ and DHS within 48 hours after a mitigation action. Civil fines up to $100,000 or suspension of the authority could apply for actions taken without required federal coordination. This SLTT authority would end on December 31, 2031, and training and certification rules must be developed within 180 days of enactment.
Federal DHS and DOJ counter‑drone powers
If enacted, the bill would allow the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to take and authorize listed counter‑UAS actions to enforce the law and stop credible drone threats to covered facilities and assets. The authority would operate notwithstanding certain aviation and criminal law limits, but would be limited to the specific actions the bill lists. This authority would take effect on enactment.
Grants can buy drones and counter‑drone gear
If enacted, certain federal public‑safety grant funds would explicitly be allowed to pay for buying and operating unmanned aircraft systems and approved counter‑UAS equipment that appear on the authorized technologies list. The change applies to UAS as defined in 49 U.S.C. 44801 and to allowable uses under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. This change would take effect on enactment.
Plan to reimburse federal drone protection
If enacted, the DHS Secretary and the Attorney General would have to deliver a plan to Congress within 180 days for a program to reimburse federal agencies that provide counter‑UAS protection at events not run by the federal government. The provision would only require the plan; it would not create payments or funding. Congress would need to approve any reimbursement program and money before reimbursements start.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Gary Peters
MI • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
IA • R
Sponsored 12/15/2025
Ron Johnson
WI • R
Sponsored 12/15/2025
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
NV • D
Sponsored 12/15/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov