Bill > SB626

This bill provides expanded police authority to address potential drone-related threats to public safety, specifically focusing on drone operations near correctional institutions. The bill defines a "weaponized drone" as a drone equipped with dangerous devices like tasers, firearms, flamethrowers, chemical agents, or explosives, and establishes new legal provisions for law enforcement response. Under the bill, law enforcement officers are now authorized to detect, track, identify, and if necessary, intercept, disable, or destroy a drone that reasonably appears to pose an imminent public safety threat, using methods such as jamming, hacking, or physical capture. The legislation introduces more severe penalties for drone violations, including a Class H felony for using a weaponized drone near a correctional institution that threatens public safety. Additionally, the bill protects law enforcement officers and their agencies from financial liability for damage to drones during interventions. The existing prohibition on drone operations over correctional institutions remains in place, with a potential forfeiture of up to $5,000 for violations, but the new provisions significantly expand the legal framework for addressing potential drone-related security risks.

Justice

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb626