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
- Amendment of Class D Airspace and Class E Airspace Over Augusta, GA
- Establishment of Class E Airspace; Peoria, IL
- KS Sub Bill for SB9: House Substitute for SB 9 by Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development - Prohibiting foreign principals from acquiring interests in real estate in proximity to military installations, state agencies and local government from purchasing drones or critical components of drones from foreign principals or that are manufactured in countries of concern and foreign principals from receiving b
- New Ohio drone law limits police searches, but critics see loopholes - The Columbus Dispatch
- Amendment of Class D Airspace and Removal of Class E4 Airspace Over Nashua, NH