Indiana State Police coordinates federally approved drone response

The State Police coordinates the statewide counter-drone program and applies for federal approval. The State Police must apply for federal authorization, set statewide procedures for training and reporting, oversee compliance, and keep records required by federal agencies. The article applies only if federal law authorizes state or local police to conduct counter-drone activities and the governor publishes a notice identifying that authority. The article takes effect July 1, 2026. It applies only after both the federal authorization and the governor’s notice.

Trained personnel may carry out listed actions to detect or respond to a drone. The rules cover trained personnel who have completed the required national training and certification and are acting under federal authorization. Personnel must act within the scope of federal authorization and have federal approval. Disrupting, disabling, seizing control of, or otherwise neutralizing a drone requires express federal authorization. These limits apply whenever personnel perform activities under the article.

The State Police may designate local police agencies to participate and may name Indianapolis as a pilot location. The State Police may designate law enforcement agencies of local governments and may designate the city of Indianapolis as a pilot location. A local agency must meet federal training and readiness requirements. Indianapolis must follow federal requirements if designated as a pilot location. The article takes effect July 1, 2026; it states no separate date for making these designations.

The State Police must take part in applicable federal reporting systems, and participating agencies must report events. These duties and limits apply to the State Police and participating agencies. The State Police must suspend or revoke an agency’s participation if required by a federal audit, if the agency fails to follow state or federal procedures, or if federal authorization is withdrawn. Systems may be purchased or deployed only if they appear on the federal approved list; federal grants may support listed systems, required training, and administrative costs. An agency must submit each post-event report within the deadline federal law sets for notifying federal agencies.