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Pennsylvania State Senate
12/21/2024 08:49 PM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?SPick=20250&chamber=S&cosponId=44283
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2025 - 2026 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: December 12, 2024 08:41 PM
From: Senator Rosemary M. Brown
To: All Senate members
Subject: Resolution Urging State Authority to Combat Drone Threats
 
In the near future, I plan to introduce a Resolution urging the federal government to empower state governments with the legal authority to respond when drones are a possible threat. This resolution also urges the federal government to implement stronger response measures and public transparency to these potential threats.
 
Since mid-November of this year, New Jersey has documented more than 3,000 sightings of unidentified drones, some as large as cars, operating near military bases, private residences, and other sensitive locations. Pennsylvania, and much of my senatorial district, shares a border with New Jersey, and sightings of drones are now being reported within our state.
 
Current federal regulations tie the hands of state and local governments, preventing them from taking immediate action when drones possibly threaten the safety and privacy of our communities. This resolution is a necessary step to empower states to respond swiftly and decisively to these threats.
 
This resolution comes amid growing frustration with the federal government’s handling of drone-related incidents, which began with the 2023 Chinese spy balloon incident, when a high-altitude balloon originating from China traversed the continental United States for eight days – entering from Alaska before being shot down off the coast of South Carolina.
 
It is time to allow state governments to respond swiftly and decisively in these instances.
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.  If you have questions regarding this legislation, please reach out to Christine Zubeck in my office at 717-787-6123 or czubeck@pasen.gov.