Louisiana Expands Counter-Drone Law, Sets Model for Local Action

Louisiana has taken a groundbreaking step in the evolving counter-drone landscape, becoming the first U.S. state to grant local law enforcement legal authority to actively detect, track, and mitigate unauthorized drones.

The newly signed “We Will Act” Act, effective August 1, 2025, reflects a growing recognition across the United States: protecting communities from the risks of rogue drones requires enabling local officers to respond immediately, provided they have reasonable suspicion the drone poses a threat or is involved in criminal activity (as required by law).

This legislation sets a new precedent for how state and local agencies can play a vital role in safeguarding critical infrastructure, public spaces, and emergency operations, areas where the need for rapid response is paramount.

A Shift Toward Local Empowerment

Until now, U.S. counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) operations have primarily been a federal responsibility. Local authorities, even when first on the scene during incidents, have had minimal ability to intervene.

Louisiana’s counter-drone law changes this dynamic by authorizing local and state law enforcement to deploy C-UAS measures under certain conditions. The law focuses on specific high-risk areas, including:

• Prisons and detention centers – where drones are frequently used to smuggle contraband.
• Critical infrastructure and mass gatherings – where disruptions can have severe consequences.
• Military bases, federal facilities, and ports – added under amendments to expand protection to national security assets.
• Parade routes and designated event areas – explicitly classified as temporary “drone no-fly zones,” with required public signage.
• Schools and public venues – while not explicitly named in the legislation, these may be included under broader categories of protected sites or covered by local agency designation where crowds could be vulnerable to surveillance or attacks.

By decentralizing C-UAS authority, Louisiana aims to eliminate delays, allowing officers on the ground to act when a threat is detected.

Counter-Drone Law with Controls: Strict Guidelines to Ensure Responsible Use

While empowering local agencies, the legislation places significant emphasis on control and accountability. Specially trained and certified officers will be allowed to operate C-UAS technologies, ensuring that mitigation efforts are conducted safely and in compliance with airspace regulations.

Other key aspects of the legislation include:

• Defined penalties for unlawful drone operators – up to $5,000 in fines and one year in prison, with mandatory drone confiscation. For prison and military facility violations, penalties can reach five years of hard labor. Parade-route violations carry $2,000–$5,000 fines and potential jail time.
• Training and certification programs – Comprehensive programs can help support safe, compliant, and effective operations.
• Operational oversight – officers must follow state guidelines to prevent misuse and maintain public trust.

This focus on responsible, trained use demonstrates an effort to balance security, safety, and privacy considerations.

Local Drone Mitigation Demands Safer and Smarter Tools

The rising number and sophistication of drone incidents drive the decision to grant local authority. From contraband drops into prisons to disruptions of emergency operations, rogue drones pose an escalating risk to both public safety and national security.

However, not all counter-drone technologies are suitable for deployment in these environments. Traditional jamming and kinetic methods can create unacceptable risks:

• Signal jamming may interfere with emergency communications, GPS, or other critical systems.
• Kinetic interdiction—such as shooting down or striking drones—is not authorized under Louisiana’s law, due to the danger it poses to people and property in populated areas.

Instead, the legislation emphasizes the need for precise, low-impact mitigation technologies that can safely take control of a rogue drone and guide it to a controlled landing. These solutions not only eliminate the drone threat but also preserve the drone for forensic investigation, supporting law enforcement and intelligence efforts.

A Counter-Drone Law Model Other States Could Follow

Louisiana’s move is being closely watched by other state governments considering similar legislation. By clearly defining when and how local agencies can act, and by establishing strict training and technology requirements, the state has created a framework that could serve as a model for nationwide adoption.

As more states evaluate this approach, several factors will determine its success:

1. Technology Selection – Agencies are authorized to use reasonable and necessary mitigation measures against drones, including detection, tracking, interception, or disabling. Deploying systems that are precise, reliable, and well-suited to complex, sensitive environments is a strong industry best practice. 
2. Training and Certification – Comprehensive programs can help support safe, compliant, and effective operations.
3. Coordination with Federal Agencies – Information-sharing and standardized protocols contribute to a layered, integrated airspace security strategy.

This combination of local empowerment and interagency collaboration represents the future of effective counter-drone defense.

Staying Ahead of the Evolving Drone Threat

The drone threat continues to evolve rapidly, with increasing accessibility, autonomy, and payload capabilities. Legislation like Louisiana’s is a critical step toward enabling proactive, real-time responses where they are needed most.

However, granting authority is only the first step. Agencies must ensure that the technologies they select align with both safety requirements and operational goals. Cyber-based C-UAS solutions that allow controlled, surgical mitigation—rather than broad-spectrum disruption—are particularly well suited to the types of urban and sensitive environments identified in Louisiana’s legislation.

As more states consider expanding counter-drone law and authority, adopting field-proven, low-impact systems, and building robust training and coordination programs will be key to protecting communities while maintaining public confidence.

Conclusion

Louisiana’s decision to empower local law enforcement marks an important shift in the U.S. approach to counter-drone operations. By pairing authority with responsibility and precision, the state has created a path for safer skies and more secure communities.

As state and local agencies move to implement similar frameworks, the focus must remain on responsible, technology-driven solutions that keep pace with the evolving drone threat while ensuring safety, compliance, and operational continuity.

About D-Fend Solutions

At D-Fend Solutions, we partner with government and law enforcement agencies worldwide to enable safe, controlled, and precise drone mitigation. Our radio frequency (RF) cyber-takeover technology is designed for sensitive and urban environments, allowing agencies to quickly and securely neutralize rogue drones while maintaining operational continuity and public safety.

As the regulatory landscape evolves, we continue to support policymakers and public safety leaders with field-proven solutions that align with emerging legislative frameworks and ensure safe airspace integration.

For another perspective, read this article in Route Fifty.