22 December 2025
On December 18, President Trump signed law S.1071, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
In his "Statement By The President" on that date, Trump stated: "The Act will enable the Department of War to carry out my Peace Through Strength agenda, protect the homeland from domestic and foreign threats, and strengthen the defense industrial base...Over the next three years, the United States will host numerous major events that necessitate new authorities to combat emerging security threats. The Act includes the critical SAFER SKIES Act, which provides State and local law enforcement with the authority to protect against unmanned aircraft when they present a threat to the public and creates a new felony offense for a second violation of national defense airspace."
The Safer Skies Act is obviously of most interest to the drone community, as it provides state and local authorities the power to deploy technology to thwart UAV threats at sporting events, concerts, festivals, and other large public gatherings.
The NFL, in particular, has sought the assistance of a law such as S.1071 for at least three years, citing more than 2,000 unlawful drone flights over stadiums during that time. While the FAA temporarily restricts the airspace around a stadium from one hour before and one hour after a game—the limitations being flights below 3,000 feet and within three miles of the event—drones often defy the restrictions.
Even more remarkably, thousands of NFL amd Major League Baseball games have been played without local officials on-site with the legal authority to bring down drones. In fact, such actions in the past required federal law enforcement to be on hand to disable unauthorized drones, and only the Super Bowl, World Series, and World Cup final were eligible for such action.
"We thank President Trump and our Congressional champions from both political parties who took decisive action to keep fans safe," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. "With a rising number of drones flying in restricted airspace, it is critical that state and local law enforcement have the tools to prevent harm. This important step will help protect fans at stadiums across the country."
Bouyed by bipartisan support, the Safer Skies/National Defense Authorization Act passed the Senate before Trump's signature, and opened the door for state and local officials to receive the same training, as well as the ability to take action, as federal agents who may be on location during massive events.
"As drones become more common, the risk of them causing disruptions or being used for malicious activities at sporting events only grows stronger," stated Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan). "Law enforcement officials must be able to protect stadiums in their communities from these growing threats—especially as the United States prepares to host next summer's FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2028 LA Olympics."
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