Bill · S. 4309· Senate(119-S-4309)
Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/15/2026
- Last activity
- 4/15/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- James Justice
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2026," seeks to amend title 49 of the United States Code. It establishes a pilot program for the use of small, nonlethal deescalation unmanned aircraft by various law enforcement agencies. The program is specifically intended for use by Federal, State, local, or Tribal law enforcement when responding to an active shooter event. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration is tasked with creating this program and establishing protocols for training, safety, and operations. Additionally, the bill requires that any such aircraft used in the program must be manufactured in the United States.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this change how police departments operate?+4
The bill establishes a pilot program to integrate nonlethal deescalation drones into law enforcement responses to active shooter events.
Would business owners be better off under this?+2
The domestic manufacturing requirement provides a benefit to U.S.-based manufacturers of unmanned aircraft.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+2
The bill specifically targets law enforcement in large metropolitan areas for the implementation of the pilot program.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Safety During Active Shooter Events: The pilot program aims to assess the safety benefits of increasing the safe engagement distance between a law enforcement officer and an active shooter (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(iv)).
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Use of Nonlethal Alternatives: The program focuses on the potential use of nonlethal deescalation unmanned aircraft, which are designed to incapacitate individuals while minimizing fatalities and permanent injury (Section 2(b)(2)(2) and Section 2(b)(2)(3)).
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Enhanced Capability for Law Enforcement: The program will review and validate nonlethal weapons and devices—such as intense sound distraction emitters, cameras, targeting sensors, speakers, and strobe lights—that can be used by law enforcement (Section 2(b)(2)(2)(A) and Section 2(b)(2)(2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Maintenance of Weapon Prohibitions: The bill reaffirms the existing prohibition regarding unmanned aircraft armed with dangerous weapons (Section 2(b)(1)(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Urban Residents+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- 4/15/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.