Senate Bill 626 aims to enhance law enforcement's ability to address threats posed by drones, particularly in the context of public safety. The bill allows law enforcement officers to detect, track, and identify drones that are suspected of posing an imminent threat. Furthermore, officers are granted the authority to intercept, disable, or destroy such drones using lawful methods, including jamming or physically capturing them. Importantly, the bill stipulates that neither the officer nor their employing agency will be financially liable for any damage or loss incurred to a drone during these actions.

Additionally, the bill introduces stricter penalties for operating weaponized drones over correctional institutions. While current law imposes a forfeiture of up to $5,000 for unauthorized drone operation, the new legislation escalates the penalty to a Class H felony if the drone in question is weaponized and poses a threat to public safety. The bill also clarifies definitions related to drones and law enforcement officers, and it renumbers and amends existing statutes to incorporate these changes.