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Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023

H.R. 5879 Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX-22) In committee
Bill text PDF
  1. Introduced Oct 3
  2. Committee Oct 3
  3. Passed House Next
  4. Passed Senate Not yet
  5. To President Not yet
  6. Law Not yet
Where it stands
In committee, Oct 3, 2023Next: House vote
1121d ago Oct 3, 2023: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Final votes
No roll callsNo recorded vote on this bill yet
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Summary

Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023

Full summary4 paragraphs

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study, and create an approval process for, nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones). Under the bill, nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft that is equipped with one or more nonlethal weapons or devices and is used by law enforcement personnel in scenarios (1) that present significant risk to human life, and (2) in which the suspected criminal is in a position to potentially escalate the situation and expose human life to a high level of risk.

Specifically, the FAA must initiate a pilot research program to study the potential use of nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft by law enforcement agencies. As part of the study, the FAA must enter into interagency agreements with various federal, state, and local agencies.

The FAA must submit a report on the results of the research program to Congress. The report must include a plan outlining a proposed FAA application process for law enforcement to seek permission to operate nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft.

Within 90 days of submitting the report, the FAA must initiate rulemaking to create a process through which the FAA may provide approval to operate these unmanned aircraft.

Library of Congress summary, Oct 3, 2023

Summary versions
  • Introduced in HouseOct 3, 2023

Official record from Congress.gov, the House Clerk and the Senate; lobbying from Lobbying Disclosure Act filings. Updated Oct 27, 2026.