Louisiana’s counter-UAS legislation empowers local law enforcement to secure airspace

Imagine a major parade. Thousands line the parade route, music fills the air, and suddenly, an unauthorized drone appears overhead, raising immediate concerns for public safety.

Until now, local police could only monitor and wait for federal help, precious moments lost that could mean the difference between safety and disaster. The inability to act swiftly in these moments has long frustrated public safety officials, leaving communities vulnerable to harm.

With Louisiana’s new “We Will Act” Act, that’s changed, marking a pivotal moment in how states can protect their communities from emerging aerial threats.

A National First and a Long-Overdue Step Forward

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to explicitly grant state and local law enforcement the authority to actively intercept and disable drones posing a credible threat to public safety. It’s a much needed response after years of federal inaction.

This counter-UAS legislation move comes in response to the growing number of drone-related incidents nationwide, including near-misses at airports, surveillance and sabotage of critical infrastructure, disruptions at sporting events and the delivery of contraband into correctional facilities.

Congress has hesitated to act decisively, and so left state, local, tribal and territorial authorities without the tools or legal cover to respond effectively and protect the American public from the growing risks posed by unauthorized drones.

Recent drone sightings near critical infrastructure, such as power plants and airports, as well as crowded events, have underscored the urgent need for rapid, localized response capabilities. This law now empowers Louisiana officers to act decisively and immediately, closing a critical security gap.

Key Implications of Louisiana’s “We Will Act” Act:

• Empowering local action: Specially trained officers can now deploy counter-UAS technologies to intercept and disable unauthorized drones, particularly near sensitive locations such as schools, public events, prisons and critical infrastructure. This authority ensures that law enforcement can respond swiftly. Training programs and certification requirements are being developed to ensure officers are prepared to use these tools responsibly and effectively.
• Faster, more localized response: By enabling immediate, on-the-ground mitigation, the law moves beyond mere drone detection to active defense. This rapid response capability is crucial in preventing potential threats from escalating into real-world incidents. The ability to act in real time could prevent property damage, personal injury, or even thwart potential terrorist activity.
• Strong deterrence: The law imposes penalties on drone violators, including fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year and mandatory forfeiture of the drone. While these penalties may seem modest given the potential risks, they serve as a starting point; harsher punishments may be considered as drone threats escalate. Public awareness campaigns will also help ensure drone operators understand their new responsibilities.
• Addressing tangible threats: Rogue drones pose tangible risks to public safety and infrastructure. Louisiana’s counter-UAS legislation sets a precedent for proactive, localized countermeasures that other states may soon follow. The law is expected to serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to balance innovation with public safety.

Why Advanced, Non-Disruptive Counter-UAS Technology Matters

Passing legislation is only the first step. Effective mitigation demands technology that meets several critical criteria:

• Precise and safe: Counter-UAS solutions must neutralize threats without causing collateral damage or risking bystander safety, especially in urban or crowded environments where indiscriminate jamming or kinetic actions could have unintended consequences. For example, technology that can take control of a drone and land it safely is preferable to simply disabling it mid-flight, which could cause injuries or damage.
• Non-disruptive: Technologies should avoid jamming or interfering with legitimate communications, ensuring that critical infrastructure, emergency services, and civilian devices continue to operate without disruption. This is particularly important in environments like airports, where interference could have consequences.
• Proven and reliable: Law enforcement agencies need field-tested, cyber-based counter-UAS tools that perform reliably under real-world conditions, without causing operational disruption or collateral damage. Agencies are seeking solutions that have been validated through independent testing and have a proven track record of successful deployments at major events and sensitive sites.

A new category of C-UAS technology, RF-Cyber, is designed precisely for the unique requirements of state and local law enforcement. The tech empowers law enforcement to take control of rogue drones remotely and safely — without disruptive interference or collateral damage. The technology is trusted by security agencies worldwide to protect major events and critical infrastructure.

The Broader Impact of Counter-UAS Legislation

Louisiana’s move opens the door for others to follow. As the airspace grows more complex, so must our response strategies. States adopting similar counter-UAS legislation must also invest in the right technologies, and in partnerships across government and industry.

A Call to Action for Public Safety Leaders

As more states consider following Louisiana’s lead, it is essential that local and state agencies are equipped not only with legal authority but also with the right technology to safeguard their communities effectively. 

Collaboration between state legislatures, law enforcement agencies, and technology providers will be crucial to developing best practices and ensuring responsible implementation. Public safety officials, policymakers, and technology partners must collaborate closely to build a secure, resilient airspace.

By working hand in hand, policymakers, technology innovators, and first responders can build a safer, more secure airspace that protects communities today and into the future.

How Might This Legislation Influence Other States?

Louisiana’s bold move is likely to serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to address the growing challenge of unauthorized drones. As concerns about airspace security and public safety intensify, lawmakers in states across the country will closely monitor the effectiveness of Louisiana’s approach. 

If successful, similar counter-UAS legislation could be introduced elsewhere, creating a patchwork of state-level counter-UAS authorities that collectively enhance national security. Already, there is a trend of states enacting innovative laws in response to gaps in federal regulation, as seen with recent legislative activity in areas such as foreign influence and wage access.

What are the Potential National Security Benefits?

By empowering local law enforcement to act quickly, states can reduce response times to drone threats, protect critical infrastructure, and deter malicious actors. This decentralized approach strengthens the overall security posture of the United States, making it more difficult for adversaries to exploit regulatory gaps or slow federal response times. 

Enhanced local capabilities also support federal agencies by providing real-time intelligence and mitigation at the community level, creating a layered defense system that is more resilient to evolving threats.

Brett Feddersen is vice president of strategy and government affairs at D-Fend Solutions. Meryl Dzikansky is content manager at D-Fend Solutions.