WeVote
Log In

Bill

MD

Bill

ACR 148

Urges federal government to develop protocols for State and local law enforcement to respond to drones.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Donlon and 1 co-sponsor

NJ ACR 148 urges federal action to create protocols guiding state/local police to investigate/respond to unidentified drones; symbolic pressure, not new local powers.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
#aviation #memorializat #police #pubsafety
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · ACR 148

Summary of ACR 148 (New Jersey)

Overview

ACR 148 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the New Jersey General Assembly on January 14, 2025. It is a memorializing measure that urges the federal government to develop protocols and mechanisms to guide state and local law enforcement in investigating and responding to threats posed by unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (drones). The bill has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee. A companion measure exists in the Senate (SCR 119).

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary purpose is to secure federal action—specifically from the President, Congress, the Department of Transportation, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—to create formal protocols and mechanisms that would empower New Jersey’s state and local law enforcement to independently investigate and respond to drone-related threats.
  • The resolutionframes growing drone activity as a public safety and security concern requiring cross-jurisdictional cooperation and timely information sharing.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: The New Jersey Legislature respectfully urges federal authorities to develop protocols and mechanisms to guide state and local law enforcement in investigating and responding to threats posed by unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (drones).
  • Section 2: Requires that copies of the resolution be transmitted to high-level federal officials (President, Senate leaders, House leaders, Secretary of Transportation, FAA Administrator) and to every member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation.
  • Statement of Purpose: Explains that FAA currently cannot delegate formal enforcement to state/local agencies and argues for expanded powers at the state/local level to mitigate aerial threats. Notes recent drone sightings near sensitive sites (e.g., military installations, critical infrastructure) and the need for better interagency cooperation.

Background / Rationale

  • The bill cites a surge in drone sightings over New Jersey and at sensitive locations, with concerns about public safety and security.
  • It emphasizes that the FAA relies on state and local agencies to observe and report suspicious activity, but current statute restrictions limit independent state/local enforcement.
  • The measure argues for greater state/local authority and capability to investigate and respond to drone threats, pending federal action.

Procedural History and Status

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Committee: Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
  • Legislative action: Concurrent resolution (memorialization)
  • Related measure: SCR 119 (companion in the Senate)

Potential Impact and Implications

  • Policy effect: Symbolic and political pressure aimed at federal agencies to modernize protocols governing drone threats.
  • Practical effect: As a memorialization, ACR 148 does not grant new state or local enforcement authority by itself. Realization of expanded powers would require federal action or rulemaking.
  • Stakeholders: New Jersey residents and communities, state and local law enforcement, federal aviation authorities, and affected federal entities.

Related Measures

  • Companion bill: SCR 119 (Senate Concurrent Resolution)

If you’d like, I can compare ACR 148 with SCR 119 to highlight any differences in language or emphasis, or provide a brief overview of how similar memorializations have functioned in other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.