Drone Safe Communities Newsletter - Sept 2018
After months of closed-door discussions, negotiators from at least 6 Congressional Committees reached agreement on key legislation which would grant new authorities to the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to begin to address the risks of unauthorized drones. The agreement, now part of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization package, is expected to move this week, in advance of the Sept. 30 expiration for certain FAA programs. While the FAA package will likely be considered "must-pass" legislation, stay tuned, as my decades of experience in Washington DC has taught me that Yogi Berra had it right: "it ain't over till it's over."
A close look at the legislation (full in-depth analysis provided to our sponsors) reveals a number of substantive changes from the previous version introduced by House Homeland Committee Chairman Mike McCaul on July 12.
We are pleased to see this agreement. Once enacted and implemented, it will--among many things--help shape a civilian U.S. market for C-UAS technology and bring innovative solutions to the forefront of public safety and security. These solutions may be very different from current military-focused designs, with very different price points.
Next Steps
Drone Safe Communities thanks key leaders in Congress for their tireless efforts and we encourage you to do the same. We are working ensure policymakers understand that this agreement is only the beginning of what needs to be done to bring technology to the fight to address unauthorized drones. Under it, some key policy and technical decisions are left to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Attorney General and Secretary of Transportation. For example, there are details to be determined as to what role states and local public safety and security professionals will play under this new legislation since it will only allow DOJ/DHS personnel to operate counter-drone equipment.
As this legislation nears enactment, contact us to learn how it might impact your community and your ability to acquire, operate and sell C-UAS technology.
For more information, visit us at www.DroneSafeCommunities.org