SAFER SKIES Act IFR: DOJ & DHS Counter-Drone Rules for State and Local Agencies — Effective July 1, 2026 - Crowell & Moring LLP
The SAFER SKIES Act IFR grants state and local law enforcement new authority to detect and mitigate drones, effective July 1, 2026. This may lead to increased enforcement actions against non-compliant drone operations, especially those without Remote ID or operating in restricted airspace.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Commercial Drone (Part 107) Rules space on July 20, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated Medium urgency. All Part 107 operators, especially those flying near critical infrastructure, public events, or in areas with active counter-drone measures. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: July 1, 2026. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Commercial Drone (Part 107) Rules continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
State and local agencies can now use counter-drone technology to detect, track, and potentially disable drones that pose a threat. This expands enforcement beyond federal authorities.
Who it affects
All Part 107 operators, especially those flying near critical infrastructure, public events, or in areas with active counter-drone measures.
What you must do
Ensure all drones are equipped with functioning Remote ID (if required) and comply with airspace authorizations. Review operational procedures to avoid triggering counter-drone responses.
Deadline
July 1, 2026
Never miss a change like this again
Aforeworn watches Commercial Drone (Part 107) Rules around the clock and alerts you the moment a rule moves — with a plain-English brief on what to do.
Start your free trialRelated changes in Commercial Drone (Part 107) Rules
- Washington Commercial Drone Fees Jump 10x to $150 After Jet Tax Repeal - DroneXL
- Amendment of Restricted Areas R-2505, R-2524, R-2508, and R-2515 in California
- Authorities remind drone operators: flying over wildfires could mean fines, prison time - NPR for Oregonians
- U.S. Commerce Department Streamlines Drone Export Controls - Wilson Sonsini
- Trump Administration Imposes National Security Duties on UAS, in Action Coordinated with FCC and Defense Regulation - JD Supra