By Matthew Albright
The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. Jeff Landry announced this week that he had signed a bill that gives state and local law enforcement the authority take down unmanned drones, calling it the first of its kind.
House Bill 261, by Jay Galle, R- Mandeville, allows officers to stop a threat posed by an unmanned aircraft system acting within the state in a nefarious manner,” using “legal and safe methods, including but not limited to jamming, hacking or physical capture.”
In a news release, Landry said the “We Will Act” Act could set a national precedent, because the authority to handle unmanned aircraft has typically been reserved for federal entities.
“This law puts Louisiana on the front lines of drone defense,” Landry said in the release. “We are taking bold steps now to protect our people and our skies before tragedy strikes.
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The act specifically makes it illegal to fly unmanned drones over parades and parade routes.
It makes an exception for drones that are authorized for use in movie, TV or other productions.
The bill passed both chambers of the Legislature without opposition.
Earlier this year, Landry said during a dinner with President Donald Trump and other Republican governors that unidentified drones were spotted near Louisiana nuclear power plants. Entergy confirmed drones had been identified near its River Bend Station nuclear power plant.
State Shield, a national nonprofit that supports state-level laws to protect against possible interference from China, praised the law.
“Louisiana became the first state in the nation to give law enforcement officers authority to neutralize hostile drones,” said Joe Gebbia Sr., Founder and CEO of State Shield. “Inexpensive drones have become powerful tools for criminals and foreign adversaries to spy on, or even target, critical infrastructure. The risk escalates when those systems are made in China and send sensitive data overseas. We thank Governor Landry and Representative Galle for their leadership combatting this growing threat.”
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