Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2026

This bill would require the Federal Aviation Administration to start a pilot program within 2 months to review the use of drones carrying nonlethal weapons by federal, state, local, or tribal police responding to active shooter events. The program would cover how such weapons are reviewed and validated, training and safety rules for operators, and how well the drones work in indoor active shooter events. After the program ends, the agency would report results to Congress and then begin a rulemaking to create a process for approving police use of these drones and manufacturer testing. Drones used in the program would have to be made in the United States, and the existing ban on drones armed with dangerous weapons would be reaffirmed.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• James C. Justice Republican sponsor
• 0 cosponsors