March 6, 2025
Mr. Burchett introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To allow an individual to shoot an unmanned aircraft flying over property owned by the individual under certain circumstances, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Defense Against Drones Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Protection of private property from unmanned aircraft
(a) In general
Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
44815. Protection of private property from unmanned aircraft
(a) In general
Subject to applicable State law relating to the discharge of a firearm, an individual may shoot an unmanned aircraft using a legally obtained shotgun if the individual reasonably believes that such aircraft is flying not more than 200 feet above property owned by the individual.
(b) Return of aircraft
An individual may, but shall not be required to, return an unmanned aircraft shot down under subsection (a) to the owner of such aircraft upon request by such owner.
(c) Reporting
Not later than 60 days after an event in which an individual shoots an unmanned aircraft under subsection (a) and is able to identify the registration number of such aircraft, the individual shall report to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration—
(1)
the address at which such event occurred; and
(2)
such registration number.
(d) Regulations
The Administrator shall issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
(e) Definition of shotgun
In this section, the term shotgun has the meaning given such term in section 921 of title 18, United States Code.
(f) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt or otherwise have any effect on any State law relating to tort liability or criminal liability for an action taken under subsection (a).
(b) Clerical amendment
The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: