Wisconsin Bill Would Let Police Disable Threat Drones

A Wisconsin bill granting police authority to disable drones posing threats to public safety has stalled in the legislature. Assembly Bill 629, introduced by Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego) and co-authored by Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), passed the Assembly on a bipartisan vote but failed to advance further, ending pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1, which set the 2025-2026 session schedule.[1][2][10]

The measure aligns state law with the federal Safer Skies Act, signed in December, which extends powers previously limited to the Federal Aviation Administration. It would allow local law enforcement—after federal training and certification—to detect, track, intercept, disable, or destroy drones deemed credible threats, including weaponized ones equipped with tasers, firearms, flamethrowers, chemicals, or explosives. Supporters, including Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson, argued it addresses evolving risks like drones carrying contraband or surveillance gear, filling a gap where officers currently lack legal protection to act swiftly.[2][6]

For Milwaukee residents, this matters amid rising drone use near busy airports like General Mitchell International and events such as Summerfest. Without the bill, local police face hesitation against potential aerial dangers, from smuggling to attacks, leaving communities vulnerable as technology proliferates.[6][8]

Lawmakers may revisit the issue in the next session, as Wichgers emphasized urgency for "bare minimum protection" in Wisconsin's airspace.[2][6]