21-02-2025
Cotton introduces bill aimed at protecting outdoor sporting events from unauthorized drones
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KNWA/KFTA) — Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced legislation aimed at enhancing security at major outdoor gatherings and sporting events to protect from unauthorized drones.
According to a press release, The Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act would give state and local law enforcement the authority to mitigate threats posed by drones and unmanned aircraft systems in places where a temporary flight restriction is in place. This would include large outdoor and sporting events.
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The release says it would also require the DOJ, FAA, FCC, and NTIA to create a list of approved technologies that local and state law enforcement can use to address the threats.
The release says the bill is endorsed by the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, the NCAA, and the SEC.
'Stadiums and spectators at large events are vulnerable to unauthorized drone activity, which puts both public safety and national security at risk. Our bill empowers local authorities to safeguard large public gatherings from aerial threats,' said Cotton.
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