Bill > HB2587

This bill modifies laws concerning the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, and grants law enforcement specific powers to intercept them. It expands the definition of "open-air facility" to include venues with a capacity of five hundred people or more, down from five thousand, and introduces the concept of "critical infrastructure facility," which refers to facilities defined in another section of law related to property damage. The bill makes it illegal to operate a drone within the boundaries of a critical infrastructure facility or within four hundred feet of the ground near such a facility if done to further a criminal act. It also clarifies exceptions for drone operation by facility employees, authorized individuals with written consent, law enforcement, emergency services, government officials, public utilities for infrastructure maintenance, and railroads. The penalties for unlawful drone use range from an infraction to a felony, depending on whether the drone is used to deliver dangerous items or controlled substances. Crucially, the bill empowers "authorized individuals," defined as certified peace officers, to "mitigate" threats posed by drones, which includes detecting, tracking, warning operators, disrupting control, seizing, or even disabling or destroying the drone, to the greatest extent permitted by federal law, particularly the Homeland Security Act of 2002. This mitigation authority is intended to protect people, facilities, critical infrastructure, and correctional facilities from credible threats posed by drones.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2587&year=2026&code=R