Bill > SB0227

This bill establishes a framework for the state of Indiana to engage in counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) activities, which refers to actions taken to detect, track, identify, or neutralize drones. The bill designates the state police department as the central coordinating agency for these activities, but crucially, these actions are only permitted if a federal law is enacted that specifically authorizes state or local law enforcement to do so under federal approval, certification, or oversight, and after the governor officially announces this authorization. The state police can then authorize local law enforcement agencies, referred to as "participating agencies," to conduct these counter-UAS functions if they meet federal training and readiness requirements, and Indianapolis is designated as a pilot project location due to its concentration of high-risk sites. Importantly, any "mitigation" activities, meaning actions to disrupt or disable a UAS, can only be performed if explicitly authorized by federal law, and all counter-UAS systems used must be on an approved federal list. The bill also clarifies that activities conducted under this framework by trained personnel within federal authorization are considered within the scope of their employment for liability purposes, and any conflict with federal law will be resolved in favor of federal requirements.

Military Affairs and Security, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/227/details