Safer Skies Act Would Expand Authority Ahead of the World Cup

The US House of Representatives has given the green light to legislation aimed at closing a long-standing gap in airspace security over large stadiums. The bill would allow state and local law enforcement to disable unauthorized drones during games and other major events.

Currently, only select high-profile events like the Super Bowl and certain international finals are granted on-site federal law enforcement support with the legal authority to take down rogue drones. Most regular-season professional games and college events rely on local agencies that can spot the problem, but not legally take steps to stop it. The drones have become persistent and disruptive threats to leagues across the country.

The proposed legislation hopes to change that by allowing state and local officers to receive federal-level training and operate counter-drone systems at qualifying events. In short, it extends existing authorities downward rather than inventing new ones, a move the White House has framed as a practical response to a rapidly evolving security environment.

The bill, known as the Safer Skies Act, passed the House by a 312–112 vote under a larger defense package. It now heads to the Senate and, with time running low for the US to finalize safety measures for major upcoming events, is expected to pass with ease.

"As our nation prepares to host the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics, robust airspace security will help mitigate credible threats and keep Americans and global visitors safe as they enjoy these world-class sporting events," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Sports leagues have been vocal about the issue. The NFL has reported more than 2,000 drone incursions per season in recent years into temporary flight restriction zones around stadiums. Several games have been delayed or paused after drones entered restricted airspace, even including high-profile postseason matchups that made the problem that much harder to ignore.

An important note is that drone mitigation does not automatically equal dramatic shootdowns. Options range from locating and contacting the operator to electronic interference, capture systems, or physical interception.

FMI: www.faa.gov