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AR 176

Urges President and Congress to enact certain legislation regarding drones.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 1 co-sponsor

NJ AR 176 urges federal enactment of S157 and S896 to criminalize drone misuse and expand counter-drone powers, aiding state/local enforcement near sensitive sites.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
#aviation #legislature #memorializat
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Bill Summary · AR 176

AR 176 — Summary

Overview

  • Bill Number: AR 176
  • Title: Urges President and Congress to enact certain legislation regarding drones.
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution (Memorializing)
  • Subject: Aviation, Legislature, Memorialization

AR 176 is a non-binding memorial resolution urging federal lawmakers to advance specific drone-related legislation at the national level. It cites recent drone sightings in New Jersey and asks Congress and the President to enact two existing federal proposals: S157, the Drone Act of 2023, and S896, the SHIELD U Act.

Purpose and Intent

  • To urge the President and Congress to enact federal legislation that would:
    • Create a comprehensive federal framework criminalizing various misuses of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) via S157 (The Drone Act of 2023).
    • Authorize and expand counter-drone (counter-UAS) activities by state, local, airport law enforcement and federal agencies via S896 (The SHIELD U Act).
  • To highlight concerns about drone activity near sensitive sites and emphasize limitations under current federal aviation law that restrict state/local enforcement authority.

Background and Rationale

  • The resolution notes that, since November 18, 2024, thousands of New Jersey residents have reported nighttime drone sightings over multiple counties and sensitive locations (e.g., Picatinny Arsenal, Naval Weapons Station Earle, Round Valley Reservoir, a residence at Trump National Golf Club).
  • It points to contemporaneous drone activity at U.S. military bases in England.
  • It argues that FAA authority over airspace and enforcement does not extend to delegating formal enforcement powers to state or local governments, leaving local authorities limited in response.

Key Provisions

  • Urges enactment of S157 (The Drone Act of 2023): Establishes a federal statutory framework criminalizing several forms of drone misuse.
  • Urges enactment of S896 (The SHIELD U Act): Enables and expands counter-drone operations by state, local, and airport law enforcement and federal agencies.
  • Communication and transmission: Requires copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the President, Senate Leaders, House Leaders, and all New Jersey members of Congress.
  • Purpose statement: The resolution expresses respect for federal primacy in aviation regulation while advocating for federal action to address drone-related concerns.

Impact and Affected Parties

  • Federal government: Potentially increased legislative support for criminalizing drone misuse and expanding counter-drone authorities.
  • State and local law enforcement: Would gain enhanced authority and capability to counter drone activity under federal-approved regimes.
  • Drone operators and the public: Indirectly affected by the anticipated federal statutes and enforcement enhancements.
  • New Jersey residents: Potentially benefit from clearer federal frameworks addressing drone-related risks near sensitive sites.

Procedural History and Related Legislation

  • Committee Action: Referred to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (as of introduction).
  • Related Bills: Companion in the Senate, SR 120. The resolution references S157 (Drone Act of 2023) and S896 (SHIELD U Act).
  • Strategic purpose: Although non-binding, AR 176 signals state-level support for federal legislative action to strengthen drone governance and enforcement.

Notes

  • This is a memorial resolution, not a change in New Jersey law. It seeks federal leadership on drone regulation and counter-drone capabilities.

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

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