Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act

This bill grants private owners and operators of critical infrastructure facilities the authority to use counter-unmanned aircraft system (counter-drone) technologies to detect, track, and mitigate drone threats to their facilities. It also establishes a grant program for purchasing such systems and provides liability protections for authorized actions.

Sec. 3, Drone countermeasures for critical infrastructure owners and operators: This section amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to allow owners or operators of covered critical infrastructure facilities (or their designated security personnel or contractors) to take necessary actions to mitigate credible drone threats after completing training and certification by the Secretary of Homeland Security. It requires the Secretary to establish a national certification program within 180 days, including standards for proficiency and coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. Seized drones are subject to forfeiture under local laws. The authority terminates on September 30, 2031. It also defines "covered critical infrastructure facility" as high-risk sites designated by the Secretary, including nuclear generating stations, key substations, transformer stations, and control centers of the bulk power system.

Sec. 4, Critical infrastructure counter-unmanned aircraft system grant program: The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, must establish a grant program for critical infrastructure owners and operators to purchase, install, and operate approved counter-drone systems. Grants are available to owners and operators of covered critical infrastructure facilities. $250,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Sec. 5, Liability protection: Any action taken under the authorized counter-drone authority is considered a federal action for liability protection. Owners, operators, or authorized personnel are not liable for civil or criminal claims arising from such actions, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Sec. 6, Rulemaking and implementation: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with other specified officials, must issue regulations and guidance to implement the Act, including procedures for real-time coordination with the national airspace system.