February 25, 2025 – Around the Commercial Drone Industry

This week’s roundup highlights an innovative anti-graffiti drone initiative from Aquiline Drones and recent legislative efforts aimed at curbing rogue drones at various sporting events and along the southern U.S. border.

New Congressional Bill to Address Rogue Drones at Sporting Events

Recent reports from ESPN indicate that Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) have introduced a bill that would empower state and local law enforcement to disable unauthorized drones during sporting events. Currently, only federal authorities at high-profile events such as the Super Bowl and World Series have this capability, creating significant gaps in drone security for thousands of other games. This legislation, named the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, has garnered support from the NFL, MLB, NCAA, SEC, and NASCAR.

For more context on drone security at large gatherings, check out Dedrone’s Mary-Lou Smulder’s article, Why DJI’s Decision to Stop Geofencing Hurts the NFL.

Arizona Lawmakers Propose Bill to Waive Police Liability for Shooting Down Drones

In related news, state legislators in Arizona are pushing for legislation that would permit local law enforcement to shoot down drones operated by cartels suspected of transporting drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Newsweek, the proposal would grant immunity to authorities from any injuries resulting from their actions against these drones within 30 miles of the border. Law enforcement has noted that cartels frequently utilize drones for surveillance and to facilitate drug smuggling. While this bill has received bipartisan support, concerns remain regarding the potential for injury if drones are disabled in crowded areas.

Innovative Anti-Graffiti Drone from Aquiline Drones

Aquiline Drones, based in Connecticut, has launched a highly effective drone system designed to substantially reduce graffiti occurrences, particularly in difficult-to-access locations. This solution integrates advanced technologies, including smart cameras, artificial intelligence, and drone operations. The goal is to provide comprehensive monitoring and analytics while also performing graffiti removal using the Spartacus Endure drones by Aquiline. The Washington State Department of Transportation recently tested this system with success, and Aquiline plans to expand its deployment to other states and cities across the country.

For more details on how Aquiline’s drones are making an impact against graffiti in Washington state, visit Drones Tackle Graffiti in Washington State.

Attribution: Original Article