Coastal Drone Surveillance and Interdiction Assessment Act

Overview: HR 2775, the Coastal Drone Surveillance and Interdiction Assessment Act, was introduced in the House on April 9, 2025.

Purpose and Intent: The bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for coastal border surveillance and interdiction operations. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness, costs, and privacy implications of drone technology in securing U.S. coastal borders.

Key Provisions:
- Requires the DHS to assess the current and potential future use of drones for coastal border security
- Directs the DHS to evaluate the operational effectiveness, costs, and privacy impacts of drone surveillance
- Mandates the DHS to submit a report to Congress with findings and recommendations within one year of the bill's enactment

Affected Parties and Impacts: The assessment would impact the DHS and its border security operations, as well as potentially affect the privacy rights of individuals living or traveling near U.S. coastal areas.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been introduced in the House and is currently awaiting further action in the legislative process.