The New Jersey Senate Resolution calls on the President of the United States and Congress to enact two specific pieces of legislation concerning unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones. The resolution highlights a growing concern among New Jersey residents regarding the frequent sightings of drones over sensitive locations, including military installations and the residence of the President-elect. These incidents, which have been reported since November 2024, have raised alarms and prompted federal investigations, as they coincide with similar drone activity at U.S. military bases in England. The resolution emphasizes the limitations faced by state and local law enforcement due to the Federal Aviation Administration's (F.A.A.) authority, which does not allow for the delegation of enforcement functions to local agencies.
To address these issues, the resolution urges the advancement of Senate Bill No. 157, known as The Drone Act of 2023, which aims to establish a federal framework to criminalize the misuse of drones, and Senate Bill No. 896, referred to as The SHIELD U Act, which seeks to enhance counter-drone capabilities for law enforcement at various levels. By advocating for these legislative measures, the resolution aims to empower local authorities to better respond to drone-related incidents and alleviate the concerns of New Jersey residents regarding safety and security in their airspace.