State Rep. William Bruck is spearheading new bipartisan plans that will protect state and national security interests and establish a needed framework for drone use in Michigan.

“S.H.I.E.L.D. Michigan” – short for Securing Homeland & Infrastructure with Emerging Laws for Drones – is a comprehensive bill package that installs common-sense safeguards for drone technology by balancing innovation with accountability.

“Drones are becoming more and more prevalent and they have incredible potential for innovation, commerce and public service,” said Bruck, of Erie Township. “Just like with any emerging technology, we have a responsibility as legislators to ensure there are proper guardrails in place to shield Michigan residents, sensitive infrastructure, law enforcement and corrections officers, and other things from reckless activity. That includes unauthorized surveillance or foreign threats. I’m pleased we can come together in a bipartisan way to stress that this needs to be a priority for our state and that our laws are simply not current with this technology.”

The plans will provide law enforcement with more capability to protect against unauthorized drone access, ramp up geofencing technology, prohibit state and local public entities from purchasing or using drones with components manufactured by companies of concern as defined by federal standards, and establish restrictions prohibiting drones from flying near key facilities like power plants, correctional institutions and law enforcement buildings.

The bills also establish a drone registry which will be administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation and protect private property rights by prohibiting drone operators from trespassing over private property without consent.

More than 1 million drones are registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, and thousands are in flight across the skies over both the United States and Michigan on any given day. While the state has moved to enact some drone-related laws in recent years, such as making it illegal to interfere with emergency responders using drones, Bruck said a more wholesale approach is needed.

“The truth is, there is nothing protecting our state from nefarious drone activity,” Bruck said. “The public safety component is a big part of this. We are currently asking law enforcement personnel to fight with both hands tied behind their backs as they deal with this issue. We need to empower our officers by getting laws on the books and we need it now. This is the most comprehensive package of drone legislation anywhere in the country. It will be a true game changer.”

The “S.H.I.E.L.D. Michigan” bills will soon be formally read into the record upon introduction.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. William Bruck speaks on new drone legislation on Thursday, Nov. 6. The plans work to protect security, privacy and critical infrastructure throughout Michigan.