Unpiloted Aircraft Systems.
An "unpiloted aircraft system" (UAS) is an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. An unpiloted aircraft system must meet the same criteria and standards established by the Federal Aviation Administration for an unmanned aircraft system.
In 2025 federal legislation was enacted to extend the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to counter drone activities until 2031. This authority allows the DHS and the DOJ to track, detect, and mitigate UASs that pose threats to public safety. The legislation also permits state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies, after training and certification, to take actions necessary to mitigate a credible threat that a UAS poses to the safety or security of people, facilities, assets, large-venue events, critical infrastructure, or correctional facilities. Authorized mitigation actions include the detection, identification, monitoring, and tracking of UASs. When necessary, and only with federally authorized technologies, trained law enforcement agencies may disrupt the control links of a UAS, seize control of a UAS, confiscate a UAS, or use reasonable force to disable and destroy a UAS that presents a credible threat.
The Organized Militia of Washington.
The organized militia includes both the State Guard and National Guard of Washington.
The Governor, through the Adjutant General, must promulgate rules for:
The Governor is granted the authority to order the State Guard and National Guard, or any part thereof, into active service to support state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement in the detection, identification, monitoring, tracking, and mitigation of UASs that pose credible threats to people, critical public infrastructure, and correctional facilities. The State Guard and National Guard that are ordered into active service must be trained and certified by the Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, through a training center that serves as the certifying authority for the National Guard.
(In support) This bill is not intended to create existential powers for the Military Department. As the state ramps up for the FIFA World Cup and people exercise their constitutional rights through protests, the trusted people need to have the necessary tools and resources to respond to changes in technology and protect Washingtonians. The National Guard serves the Governor and protects Washingtonians when they need it most. The National Guard recently supported communities impacted by flooding. Federal law now allows state and local law enforcement to counter drones, but it does not address or reflect how the National Guard would support local law enforcement in countering drone threats when local law enforcement is overwhelmed; this proposal closes that gap. The National Guard's support in this area would mirror how the National Guard supports local law enforcement with other types of disasters. The National Guard would assist local law enforcement upon the request of local law enforcement. The bill provides necessary management capabilities and authority so that Washington can address drone threats. There is no way to deal with drone threats right now. This bill should be amended to give police the authority to respond to drone threats. There should be a web portal that provides more information about these threats. Data privacy concerns related to the use of drones also need to be addressed.
(Opposed) None.
Representative Kristine Reeves, prime sponsor; Dennis "Denny" Frey, Washington Military Department; Wesley "Wes" Watson, Washington Military Department; and Robert Kruse.