Bill · H.R. 1907· House(119-HR-1907)
Defense Against Drones Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/6/2025
- Last activity
- 3/6/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- Sponsored by
- Tim Burchett
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Defense Against Drones Act of 2025," aims to allow individuals to shoot down unmanned aircraft. Under certain conditions, a person can shoot an unmanned aircraft using a legally obtained shotgun if they reasonably believe it is flying no more than 200 feet above their owned property. The bill specifies that the individual may choose whether or not to return the aircraft to the owner upon request. It also requires the individual to report the event, including the location and the aircraft's registration number, to the FAA within 60 days. This action remains subject to applicable State laws regarding firearm discharge and liability.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would gun owners be better off under this?+7
The bill explicitly permits the use of a shotgun for property defense.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+6
The bill enhances property owner privacy by providing a means to deter low-flying drones.
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill amends the U.S. Code to establish new federal rights regarding unmanned aircraft.
The opposite
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?-5
The bill encourages the use of shotguns against drones, which may impact gun control perspectives.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-2
While subject to state laws, the bill creates a federal allowance that may supersede some state-level drone protections.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-2
Allowing the shooting down of aircraft may have minor implications for local environmental or noise disturbances.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Private Property: An individual may shoot an unmanned aircraft that is flying no more than 200 feet above their owned property if they have a reasonable belief of the drone's presence (Section 2(a)).
-
Flexibility in Returning Property: An individual who shoots down an aircraft is not required to return it to the owner upon request (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Legal Risks: An individual's actions are still subject to applicable State law relating to the discharge of a firearm, as well as any State laws regarding tort or criminal liability (Section 2(a) and Section 2(f)).
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Reporting Burdens: If an individual shoots an unmanned aircraft and can identify its registration number, they are required to report the event, the address of the occurrence, and the registration number to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration within 60 days (Section 2(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+6Increases Federal Power+5Increase States Rights-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Gun Owners+7
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Second Amendment Protections+5Improves Gun Control Measures-5
- 3/6/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- Introduced in House