By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing:
• U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison introduced the Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 19, 2026, aiming to grant law enforcement new counter-drone authority.
• The bill would allow state and local agencies to apply for authorization to disable drones posing security threats at major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• The legislation proposes a three-year pilot program with up to 4,000 agencies eligible to use approved counter-drone technology if trained and authorized.
• An expedited pilot would focus on up to 40 agencies in the 11 U.S. host cities for the tournament, running March–September 2026.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison of Missouri introduced legislation Thursday that would permit state and local law enforcement agencies to seek authorization to take down drones deemed security threats at major events, including next year’s FIFA World Cup.
The Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act would establish a three-year pilot program allowing up to 4,000 agencies nationwide to use federally approved counter-drone technology after mandatory training and authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Justice and Federal Communications Commission.
A separate expedited pilot within the bill would cover up to 40 agencies in the 11 U.S. cities hosting World Cup matches, with operations set to run from March through September 2026, according to the proposal.
Supporters of the measure say it addresses limitations in current law that restrict local officers’ ability to respond to unauthorized or dangerous unmanned aircraft activity during large public gatherings, though the bill remains pending in Congress.
If enacted, the legislation would create a pathway for qualified agencies to continue counter-drone operations beyond the pilot period and establish a permanent authorization process.