WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison of Missouri has introduced the Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act, a bill that would give law enforcement temporary authority to take down drones posing security threats during major events such as the 2026 World Cup.
The bill establishes a three-year pilot program allowing up to 4,000 agencies nationwide to apply for authorization to use approved counter-drone technology. It also creates a separate expedited pilot for up to 40 agencies in the 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with operations running from March through September 2026.
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“Drone technology is increasingly being exploited for criminal activity,” Burlison said. “Local law enforcement is often the first to confront these threats, but current law limits their ability to respond. This bill closes that gap while maintaining strong privacy and civil liberties protections.”
If passed, the measure would require interested agencies to undergo mandatory training and use only approved equipment. Agencies would then apply for authorization from the FAA, Department of Justice and FCC.
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Following the pilot period, the legislation would establish a permanent authorization pathway for qualified agencies.
