This bill lets certain Department of Justice grants be used to buy and operate drones (unmanned aircraft systems) to benefit public safety. It adds unmanned aircraft systems as an allowable use for Byrne grants and for COPS grants in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The bill refers to the definition of unmanned aircraft systems in 49 U.S.C. 44801. It was introduced on February 6, 2025, and was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
If your local or state law enforcement or public safety agency receives Byrne or COPS grants, those agencies could use the grant money to purchase and operate unmanned aircraft systems for public safety purposes. For the general public, the bill changes what grant money can be used for but does not itself require purchases or operations.
No publicly available information on the bill’s cost or on changes to overall funding levels. The text authorizes use of existing grant funds but does not specify new appropriations or budget impacts.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.