H.R.1907 - Defense Against Drones Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1907, the "Defense Against Drones Act of 2025," proposes to amend Title 49 of the United States Code to allow individuals to shoot down unmanned aircraft (drones) flying no more than 200 feet above their property, subject to state firearm laws. The bill stipulates that individuals are not required to return the drone to its owner but must report the incident to the FAA if the drone's registration number is identifiable. The Act aims to provide property owners with a means of protecting their privacy and property from potential drone-related intrusions.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would create a new federal provision allowing individuals to use shotguns to disable drones over their property under specific conditions. This could lead to a decrease in unwanted drone surveillance and potential property damage caused by drones. However, it could also lead to unintended consequences such as property damage from falling drones and potential conflicts between drone operators and property owners.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Privacy: Homeowners may feel more secure knowing they can take action against drones invading their privacy.
- Property Protection: Allows individuals to protect their property from potential damage or surveillance by drones.
- Deters Unlawful Drone Use: Could discourage illegal or intrusive drone operations over private property.
- Empowerment of Property Owners: Gives individuals more control over the airspace directly above their land.
- Addresses a Perceived Gap in Current Law: Provides a legal recourse where none explicitly exists at the federal level.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Safety Risks: Shooting down drones poses safety risks due to falling debris and potential ricochet of shotgun pellets.
- Potential for Misuse: The law could be abused, leading to unnecessary destruction of drones and conflicts with legitimate drone operators.
- Liability Issues: Unclear liability for damages caused by the downed drone or the act of shooting it down.
- Enforcement Challenges: Difficult to determine if a drone was actually violating the 200-foot altitude restriction.
- Conflict with Federal Aviation Regulations: May conflict with existing FAA regulations regarding airspace and drone operation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is complex. The Second Amendment could be invoked to support the right to bear arms for self-defense, potentially extending to the act of shooting down a drone perceived as a threat. However, the federal government's authority to regulate airspace under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) could be argued to preempt state or individual actions that interfere with air traffic. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could include regulating the discharge of firearms within their borders.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).