S.Amdt. 3346

This amendment aims to update and expand the "Protection of United States Assets from Incursions" by amending Section 130i of title 10, United States Code. Its purpose is to change how the Department of Defense handles threats from unmanned aircraft systems or unmanned aircraft.

Key changes and additions include:

• Authority and Delegation: It allows the Secretary of Defense to delegate the authority to take action to a unified combatant command commander, the Secretary concerned, or other appropriate Department of Defense officials.

• Operational Capabilities: It adds the use of remote identification broadcast or other means as a way to take action. It also allows for actions that support other Federal agencies in mitigating unmanned aircraft threats.

• Legal Exemptions and Protections:

  • It creates an exemption from disclosure under state, local, or Federal law for information regarding the technology, protocols, and procedures used to carry out this section.
  • It states that certain sections of title 18 and title 49 may not apply to Department of Defense or Coast Guard activities related to mitigating unmanned aircraft threats if those activities are conducted outside the United States.

• Timeline and Reporting: It extends several deadlines, moving dates from 2018 or 2026 to January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2030. It also increases a reporting timeframe from 180 days to one year.

• Expanded Scope: It adds specific protections and assistance scenarios, such as:

  • Protecting Department of Defense property and persons where the public does not have regular access.
  • Assisting officials with incidents involving high-yield explosives or nuclear, biological, radiological, and chemical weapons.
  • Activities listed in section 2692(b) of title 10.
  • Emergency responses limited to a specific location and timeframe.