New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill AR176

Caption

Urges President and Congress to enact certain legislation regarding drones.

Impact

AR176 calls for the advancement of two federal bills—the Drone Act of 2023 and the SHIELD U Act—which are intended to create a legal framework to address various issues associated with drone misuse. The former would institute legal penalties for inappropriate drone activities, while the latter would enhance the capabilities of state and local law enforcement to counter such actions, providing them with more authorization to act against unlawful drone usage.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 176 (AR176) urges the President of the United States and Congress to enact specific federal legislation regarding unmanned aircraft systems, particularly focusing on the misuse of drones. The resolution points to a concerning number of sightings of small unmanned aircraft over sensitive areas in New Jersey since late 2024, which have alarmed residents and prompted investigations. These sightings coincide with similar incidents reported at U.S. military bases in England, thus raising national security questions about drone operations.

Contention

The resolution highlights a significant gap in current federal aviation laws, which do not allow the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) to delegate enforcement responsibilities to state and local agencies. This limitation hampers the ability of local law enforcement to effectively respond to rising complaints and concerns from residents, creating a legislative gap that AR176 seeks to address by advocating for necessary changes at the federal level. This raises questions about the balance of authority between federal and local governmental powers in addressing modern technological challenges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ AR42

Urges President and Congress to enact certain legislation regarding drones.

NJ SCR110

Urges President and Congress to enact legislation forgiving community disaster loans issued after Superstorm Sandy.

NJ AR41

Urges President of U.S. and Congress to investigate environmental and labor risks of lithium-ion battery mining fields.

NJ AJR80

Urges Congress and President to enact "Do Not Disturb Act."

NJ SJR50

Urges Congress and President to enact "Do Not Disturb Act."

NJ AR112

Urges President and Congress to enact "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023."

NJ ACR74

Urges federal government to develop protocols for State and local law enforcement to respond to drones.

NJ AR54

Urges President and Congress of US to enact legislation requiring certain delivery vehicles to have air-conditioning unit.

NJ SR71

Urges Congress and President of US to enact "Kids Online Safety Act."

NJ SCR14

Urges Congress and President of US to enact legislation addressing interstate transportation of firearms or ammunition.

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