To establish a Department of State Domestic Protection Mission relating to unmanned aircraft system and unmanned aircraft.
Impact
The bill anticipates a broad impact on national security protocols involving unmanned aircraft. By empowering the Secretary of State to act autonomously in high-threat situations without needing prior consent, it facilitates timely responses to potential threats. However, this also results in an expansion of federal authority over private airspace and could lead to significant changes in how drones are monitored and controlled within U.S. airspace, which could have implications for law enforcement and civilian privacy.
Summary
House Bill 7586 aims to establish a Department of State Domestic Protection Mission related to unmanned aircraft systems and unmanned aircraft. It delegates to the Secretary of State the authority to take necessary actions to mitigate credible threats posed by unmanned aircraft. This includes various actions like monitoring, tracking, and even disabling or destroying unmanned aircraft that are identified as threats to certain covered facilities or assets. The bill positions the Department of State in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that any actions taken do not compromise the safety and efficiency of national airspace operations.
Contention
Notable points of contention arising from HB7586 revolve around privacy rights and civil liberties. Critics argue that the broad powers granted to the Secretary of State to track and potentially disable drones may infringe on constitutional rights, particularly regarding the Fourth Amendment that protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. There are concerns about how communications related to unmanned aircraft operations will be monitored and whether safeguards are adequate to prevent misuse of the data gathered during monitoring efforts.
National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems ActThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish training and qualification standards for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as counter-drone systems.Specifically, DHS and DOJ, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, must establish standards for initial and recurrent training programs or certifications for individuals seeking to operate counter-drone detection and mitigation systems, equipment, or technology.Further, DOJ, in coordination with DHS's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, may provide training related to counter-drone systems, including detecting, identifying, monitoring, tracking, disrupting, and seizing control of drones. DOJ may establish or designate one or more facilities or training centers to provide such training related to counter-drone systems.