Sign Up
HR 2944 United States House · 118th Congress

Drone Act of 2023

The Drone Act of 2023 strengthens federal criminal penalties for dangerous drone misuse by expanding existing laws. It specifically targets: weaponizing drones with firearms or explosives (penalties up to 20 years), using drones to transport contraband into prisons or across borders, operating drones near aircraft in restricted airspace (addressing safety risks like 875 airport sightings in 2020), and interfering with law enforcement or emergency operations. The law applies to anyone knowingly violating these rules, including those using drones for criminal activities like border smuggling or prison contraband delivery. Penalties range from fines and up to 5 years imprisonment for lesser offenses to 20 years for causing serious harm or death.
Issues: ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases criminal penalties for drone misuse (up to 20 years), expanding criminalization and targeting law enforcement interference - aligns with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances aviation safety by penalizing drone interference near airports (875+ sightings in 2020), directly strengthening transportation safety standards.95% confidence
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Apr 27, 2023 Last action Apr 27, 2023
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Apr 27, 2023
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
lower
Apr 27, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Gallagher
Mike Gallagher
RRepublican
WI
8
Co
Photo of Dina Titus
Dina Titus
DDemocratic
NV
1
Co
Photo of Josh Gottheimer
Josh Gottheimer
DDemocratic
NJ
5
Co
Photo of Lance Gooden
Lance Gooden
RRepublican
TX
5