What New Law Means for Louisiana Drone Pilots and Public Safety

If you fly a drone in Louisiana, you need to know about a new law that puts your drone on the line.

The law’s core purpose is to empower police to neutralize dangerous drones before they can harm people or property. Louisiana became the first state in the nation to give its officers this direct drone mitigation authority. Previously, only a handful of federal agencies (like the FBI or Department of Homeland Security) were allowed to interfere with drones in the sky. Now, Louisiana cops have joined that exclusive club, at least within their state borders.

So, what does the law actually say? 

In plain language: state and local law enforcement in Louisiana can intercept, neutralize, or disable an unmanned aircraft (drone) if it’s posing a “credible” or “nefarious” threat to public safety. Officers are authorized to use “legal and safe methods” to stop a rogue drone – including jamming its signals, hacking its control, or physically capturing it. 

These counter-drone tactics basically arm trained officers with the tools to force a drone down or take control of it when needed.  Governor Landry’s office describes it as deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic technologies to neutralize drones. Kinetic means physical force – like using a shotgun, a net gun, or even a specialized drone to knock the intruder out of the sky. Non-kinetic means electronic measures – like jamming the drone’s radio signals or hijacking its control link so the police can land it safely. In short, Louisiana police can now play drone catcher when circumstances demand.

Importantly, not every cop on the street will be shooting at drones willy-nilly. The law authorizes these actions only by specially trained officers and only under strict conditions. There has to be reasonable suspicion that the drone is involved in criminal activity, is an imminent threat to people, or is otherwise breaking the law. In other words, they need a solid reason to believe the drone is up to no good – for example, spying on a crowd, carrying contraband, or flying in a restricted area. 

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jay Gallé, emphasized that it doesn’t give carte blanche to blast drones out of the sky. However, it does provide the use of discretion to mitigate unlawful drones. This means officers are expected to choose a method that won’t put people on the ground in danger. You don’t want an officer recklessly firing a gun at a drone over a crowd – and the law accounts for that by stressing safety and discretion.

One more thing to note: The law passed unanimously in the Louisiana Legislature. Republicans and Democrats alike gave it a thumbs up, with no opposition in either chamber. 

How Louisiana Police Can Stop Your Drone

The “We Will Act” Act uses some technical terms like jamming, hacking, and physical capture. Here’s what those mean in practice – and what you as a drone flyer should be aware of:

• Jamming: This is an electronic attack. Police can use a device to blast radio frequency interference that knocks out your drone’s control signal. If you’re piloting a quadcopter and suddenly it loses connection, it might be because a jammer is disrupting the link between your controller and the drone. Many drones, when jammed, will either hover in place, land, or enter a “return to home” failsafe. But a strong jamming attack could also send it crashing. Basically, jamming strands the drone in mid-air by cutting off its brain.
• Hacking: This method involves taking control of the drone by exploiting its communication protocols. Think of it as a cyber takeover. Law enforcement (or their tech partners) could use specialized equipment to intercept your drone’s signal and then send their own commands. In effect, they steal the “keys” to your drone. You might suddenly see your drone veer off or land even though you didn’t command it – that’s a hint you’ve been hacked out. It’s like someone hijacking your RC signal or spoofing the GPS so the drone thinks it’s somewhere else. This requires sophisticated tech, but it’s one of those “non-kinetic” tricks mentioned in the law.
• Physical capture: This is the brute force approach – literally grabbing or destroying the drone. It could mean an officer uses a shotgun loaded with birdshot to shoot the drone down (a kinetic method), or they deploy a net gun or another drone equipped with a net/tether to snag the rogue drone out of the air. There are even anti-drone drones and UAV “catchers” in development that can chase and ensnare a target drone. Physical capture might also include devices like high-powered water cannons or other creative means to physically disable the UAS. The law’s language “including but not limited to” means officers have leeway to use any tool that gets the job done safely – it doesn’t have to specifically be a gun, jammer, or computer hack. The key is “reasonable and necessary mitigation measures” that are considered safe.

Crucially, police must use judgment. Confining these actions to drones operating “in a nefarious manner”,can be a bit vague, but examples given include drones flying over parade routes without permission, or presumably drones buzzing around a school, a chemical plant, a prison, etc., where they’re not allowed. Officers will have to assess: Is this drone just a hobbyist taking photos, or is it a potential bomb threat or spy device? Only if it’s the latter (or at least some kind of threat) should they intervene. The law also implies that officers will be trained for this. We’re talking about specialized units or officers who know the tech. Louisiana isn’t just handing every patrol cop a drone jammer on their next shift – it’ll likely be a select team, maybe within State Police or larger departments, who get the gear and training. Governor Landry’s office specifically mentioned “specially trained officers” would deploy these technologies.

It’s worth noting the law mandates safety. Using any of these counter-drone measures has to be done in a way that doesn’t risk lives or property on the ground. That’s a common-sense clause but very important. A falling drone (especially a hefty one) can injure people, and indiscriminate jamming could interfere with other signals. Louisiana’s not looking to create more hazard; they want to neutralize one. So officers are supposed to choose the method that neutralizes the drone “safely”. For example, they might jam a drone so it gently parachutes down (some drones have parachute add-ons), rather than blasting it to bits over a crowd.

To give a scenario: say you’re flying a drone near a restricted area during a major event, and an officer believes you’re a threat. First, you might get a warning if you’re lucky – perhaps via loudspeaker or a drone detection system that pinpoints your controller’s location. If you don’t immediately land, the officer could aim a jammer at your drone. Suddenly your video feed cuts out and your drone starts to descend on its own. At that point, you’ve been electronically tased, so to speak. Alternatively, if the drone is directly over a sensitive area (say, over the Superdome during a big game) and could endanger tens of thousands of people, the cops might not take chances – a sniper or specialized shooter might take a shot to bring it down immediately. All of this is now legal under Louisiana law, whereas in other states or previously, it would be murky or outright illegal for local police to do such things.

From your perspective as a drone pilot, the takeaway is: if you fly somewhere you’re not supposed to in Louisiana, you could lose your drone – fast. The police have been given the green light to act decisively. It adds a whole new layer to flying responsibly. It’s not just the FAA rules or fines you have to worry about; now there’s the prospect of your drone getting jammed or shot out of the sky by the cops if you stray into the wrong place. That’s a pretty strong incentive to know the rules and follow them, which leads nicely into our next section on where you definitely can’t fly.

No Drones Over Parades and Events

Louisiana loves its parades – think Mardi Gras, homecoming parades, festivals. Those events draw huge crowds (sometimes hundreds of thousands or even millions over the season). Understandably, officials get nervous about anything flying over those crowds. A drone malfunction or a deliberate attack could cause panic or injuries in a packed parade route. So one very specific part of this law is a ban on flying drones over parades and parade routes without permission.

The parade rule does have exceptions: drones authorized for movie, TV, or other productions are allowed. Louisiana has a big film industry presence (New Orleans is often used for filming), so if a production company has a permit to film the parade or event with a drone, that’s okay. Those operators will be known to authorities and presumably in communication with them. But any random drone hobbyist or even a news outlet’s drone that isn’t pre-authorized is forbidden in these scenarios.

This focus on parades might seem odd at first – why single that out? But if you know Louisiana, it makes sense. Mardi Gras in New Orleans features nightly parades during the season with huge crowds. In recent years, drones have become a popular way to capture awesome photos of parades from above, but they also raised safety concerns. If a drone runs out of battery or has a malfunction, it could plummet into a crowd of people tightly packe togetherd. A drone only weighing a few pounds can cause serious injury if dropped from 100 feet up. Even worse, authorities worry about a drone being used as a weapon (e.g., dropping something harmful). In fact, officials have imagined nightmare scenarios: a drone dropping a harmless substance like baby powder over a crowd could spark panic – people might think it’s a chemical attack and a stampede could ensue. It sounds far-fetched, but these are real discussions in security circles. By banning drones over parades, Louisiana is basically eliminating that risk proactively.

To enforce this, expect to see signs and public announcements about drone restrictions whenever a big event is happening. The law requires the “No Drone Zone” be publicly shared in advance. They want no excuses. If you’re a drone pilot, you have to stay away from these no-fly events unless you have explicit permission.

Louisiana isn’t alone in worrying about event safety. The FAA often issues Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) over major events, like NFL games, large stadium concerts, or disaster areas. You might have heard the term “No Drone Zone” used by the FAA too – for example, the Super Bowl each year is advertised as a No Drone Zone, and flying a drone anywhere near it is a federal offense. Interestingly, the FAA’s definition of a “No Drone Zone” typically refers to restricting takeoff and landing in the area, not necessarily the airspace overhead in all cases. The Louisiana law, however, implies it’s banning the flight over the zone entirely. This is one area where legal experts have scratched their heads (more on that later in the commentary). But from a practical view, if Louisiana says no drones at the parade, just don’t do it. Whether technically the FAA controls the air above, the state is asserting that if you fly there, you’re committing a state crime and they will act on it.

In short: Parades, festivals, and big public events in Louisiana are now drone no-go areas unless you’re specially allowed. If you’re in Louisiana and there’s an event, it’s your responsibility as a drone operator to find out if restrictions are in place (check local news, notices, FAA TFRs, etc.). When in doubt, keep your drone grounded.

Stiff Penalties for Rogue Drone Pilots

More about those penalties we’ve mentioned above:

• Fines: Flying a drone where you shouldn’t (like over a parade, or near critical infrastructure, etc., as defined by the law) can get you fined up to $5,000. The law even sets a minimum fine of $2,000 for certain offenses (such as violating a parade no-fly zone). That’s a hefty hit to your wallet. $2k is the floor, meaning a judge can’t go below that. Depending on the situation and severity, they could impose $3k, $4k, all the way up to the $5,000 maximum per violation.
• Jail Time: Yes, you can go to jail for up to one year for flying a drone unlawfully under this statute. In legal terms, this sounds like it’s treated as a misdemeanor (since felony would usually be more than a year), but a year in parish jail is nothing to scoff at. Imagine sitting behind bars because you wanted some cool footage – not exactly worth it, right? The law explicitly lists “up to one year in jail” as a penalty. And note, the year can include hard labor in Louisiana\, depending on how they classify it. That adds an extra layer of unpleasantness.
• Drone Forfeiture: If you’re caught and convicted under this law, the drone you used will be confiscated and forfeited to the authorities. You won’t be getting it back. It likely becomes property of law enforcement or is destroyed. This is mandatory in the legislation: “mandatory forfeiture of the drone used in the offense.” So kiss your Autel or Mavic goodbye if you abuse it in Louisiana. It effectively becomes part of the punishment.

Keep in mind, these penalties are at the state level. You could also simultaneously be violating federal laws, which carry their own penalties. For instance, it’s a federal crime to shoot at or destroy an aircraft (and yes, the FAA considers drones “aircraft” for this purpose). Normally, you as a private citizen can’t shoot down a drone without potentially being charged under federal law. In this case, Louisiana cops have a special pass (under state law) to disable drones, but if you tried to take down someone’s drone on your own, you’d likely be in legal hot water. Also, flying in restricted airspace (like near an airport or over 400 feet altitude without permission) can get you in trouble with the FAA. Those federal penalties might include fines well above $5,000 and even federal prison in extreme cases. So you could be looking at state and federal charges if you really do something reckless like fly a drone over a crowd, evade police, etc. Not to mention civil liability if someone gets hurt.

Of course, lack of knowledge about the law is no defense once you’re caught. You can’t plead ignorance. If you’re a drone hobbyist traveling through Louisiana, you’re expected to know this law now exists. So consider this blog your fair warning! The onus is on pilots to stay informed of local laws. Regulators and police will say: we published it, we put up signs, too bad if you didn’t know. So don’t expect leniency by saying “Oh, I had no idea about the parade rule.” That line won’t fly (pun intended).

The law also has what’s called “severability” in enforcement. That means each act could be a separate offense. If you flew over two different parade routes on the same day, that could potentially be two counts, each with its own fine/jail term. And beyond the drone-specific penalties, you might also get charged with related offenses (for example, if your drone interfered with police or emergency services, you could also be hit with an “obstructing an officer” charge under a different law).

So Louisiana has put real teeth into its drone law. They can take your money, your freedom for a year, and your beloved flying gadget. That’s a strong deterrent. If you plan to fly in Louisiana, you better follow the rules to the letter. Don’t be the example everyone cites next year about the guy who went to jail because he flew a drone where he shouldn’t. 

Why Was This Law Passed? The Threats Louisiana Drones Pose

What drove Louisiana to enact such an aggressive drone law? Growing concern over the misuse of drones – from spying and smuggling to potential terrorism. Let’s explore the reasons and some examples that have authorities spooked:

2. Parade and Crowd Safety

We touched on this, but let’s emphasize: Louisiana has many large public gatherings (Mardi Gras being the crown jewel). Worldwide, we’ve seen incidents where drones have caused scares at events. Back in 2017, a drone crashed into the crowd during a Thanksgiving Day parade in Japan, causing minor injuries – that made headlines. In 2019, there were worries about drones at the New Year’s Eve ball drop in New York, etc. During the 2025 LA wildfires, a drone ended up colliding with a Super Scooper that was battling the flames, delaying response efforts.  

Closer to home, Louisiana law enforcement likely noticed an uptick in drones at festivals and parades. Even if no major incident happened yet, they see it as “it’s only a matter of time.” A drone doesn’t even have to be hostile; a well-meaning but careless operator could endanger people by accident. The new law aims to prevent a tragedy before it strikes. It’s proactive – some might say aggressive – but that’s the reasoning.

3. Criminal Use of Drones

Drones have become tools for criminals. In prisons across the world and the U.S., drones are used to smuggle contraband (drugs, phones, weapons) to inmates. For example, in Georgia, over 150 people were arrested for using drones to drop contraband into prisons over a few years. It’s a real problem. A RAND survey in 2020 found about one-third of prisons reported drone incursions delivering illicit items. Louisiana has its share of prisons and probably wants to curb that. Drones are also used by drug smugglers at the border (though Louisiana isn’t on the border, these trends worry lawmakers generally). There have been cases of drones ferrying drugs between neighborhoods for dealers, etc. A nonprofit called State Shield – whose mission is protecting states from foreign and criminal interference – praised the Louisiana law for this reason. Their founder Joe Gebbia Sr. said, “Inexpensive drones have become powerful tools for criminals and foreign adversaries to spy on, or even target, critical infrastructure.”. He specifically highlighted the risk from drones made in China that might send data overseas. This ties into the next point.

4. Espionage and Foreign Adversaries

There’s a national conversation about Chinese-made drones (like DJI) and whether they send data back to China, posing a security risk. Over 90% of the world’s consumer drones are made by Chinese company DJI as of 2024, and a huge number of drones used by U.S. public safety agencies (police, fire) are also DJI models. U.S. officials have banned military use of Chinese drones and some federal agencies stopped using them due to data security fears. Louisiana’s law supporters tapped into that – the fear that a drone flying near a refinery or power grid could be recording footage and feeding it to a foreign intelligence service. Sounds like spy thriller stuff, but it’s plausible. Drones are also seen in the hands of terror organizations overseas, and they’ve been used in warfare (we’ve all seen the footage of small drones dropping grenades in conflicts, unfortunately). So there’s a general anxiety that bad actors could use drones here at home to cause chaos or gather intel for an attack. 

5. Near Misses with Aircraft

Drones can endanger traditional aviation too. The Associated Press analyzed NASA’s aviation safety database and found that in 2024, drones accounted for nearly two-thirds of reported near midair collisions involving passenger planes at the top 30 U.S. airports. That’s an eye-popping stat – about 64% of near-misses at major airports were caused by drones getting too close to aircraft. Over the past decade, drones were involved in 51% of near-miss reports overall. The threat to airplanes, especially during takeoff and landing, is real. In one case, a drone came within 50 feet of a jet wing at Newark Airport. Then there is the collision with the firefighting plane in California, punching a hole in the wing. Thankfully that plane landed safely, but it was grounded for repairs. These incidents show drones can cause major accidents. Louisiana’s law is more about intentional malicious use, but even accidental intrusions raise the urgency. The FAA is working on solutions (like testing drone detection systems around airports), but state lawmakers feel they can’t sit idle waiting for federal bureaucracy. They’re acting on their own to protect the skies above critical areas in their state.

6. Calls for State Empowerment

There’s been a growing call to give state and local police more ability to counter drones, because as it stands, if a drone is hovering over, say, a packed LSU football game, the local police on site technically haven’t been allowed to jam it or shoot it under federal law. They’d have to call federal agencies, who may not be immediately present. This gap frustrated many. Louisiana saw an opportunity to blaze a trail. By passing this law, they’re effectively challenging, “We can handle this at the state level.” It’s a bit of a dare to the feds to say otherwise. So far, no one’s publicly smacked them down for it – perhaps because the need is evident. In fact, federal legislators are moving in the same direction, which brings us to comparisons with federal law and other states.

Federal Drone Rules vs. Louisiana’s Law

Now, you might be thinking: Wait, doesn’t the FAA control all the airspace? Can a state even do this? This is where things get a bit tricky. Let’s compare Louisiana’s new law with federal regulations:

Federal Authority Over Airspace

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has sole authority over airspace from the ground up. Legally, states aren’t supposed to regulate airspace – that’s a federal matter. Normally, only federal agencies have been authorized to physically intervene against drones. In fact, as of now Congress has only given counter-drone authority to four federal departments: Defense (DOD), Energy (DOE), Justice (DOJ), and Homeland Security (DHS). These agencies (and those under them like the military, FBI, Secret Service, etc.) can detect and mitigate drones in special circumstances (like protecting military bases, the White House, border security, etc.). Everyone else – including state police – was basically locked out, because using most counter-drone technologies violates various federal laws (communications laws, aircraft safety laws) unless you have an explicit exemption.

So, Louisiana passing a law to let local police take down drones is somewhat uncharted territory. They are the first to formally do it. It does set up a potential state-vs-federal conflict. The Louisiana law implies it’s regulating the airspace (by creating no-fly zones over parades and letting police act on drones in the sky), which is usually the FAA’s exclusive domain. This raises constitutional questions under the Supremacy Clause (federal law preempts state law when there’s a conflict). However, Louisiana might argue they are not regulating airspace per se, but rather just enforcing laws against hazardous conduct – similar to how states can have their own laws against careless operation of aircraft or against voyeurism with drones.

So far, the FAA and other federal bodies haven’t publicly challenged Louisiana’s move. It may be because the feds themselves are moving toward collaborating with states on drone defense. The U.S. Department of Justice in 2020 warned that non-federal use of drone mitigation tech is mostly illegal. But fast forward to 2023-2025, and Congress is considering bills to expand authority to state and local levels. They recognize that local cops are often the first on scene when a drone threat happens (like at a stadium or parade), so they want to bridge that gap.

Federal Drone Regulations for Pilots: On the flip side, drone pilots must obey FAA rules no matter what state they’re in. These include:

• Registering your drone (if it’s over 0.55 lbs, you must register it with the FAA).
• Getting a Remote Pilot Certificate (if you’re flying commercially under Part 107, you need a license).
• Following airspace restrictions: You can’t fly in controlled airspace (around airports) without permission, you can’t fly above 400 feet, you should avoid flying over people, etc., unless you have waivers or exceptions.
• Line of sight: You’re supposed to keep the drone within visual line of sight.
• Remote ID: A new federal requirement says drones need to broadcast an ID signal (kind of like an electronic license plate) so authorities can identify them. As of 2025, the FAA requires most drones to have Remote ID enabled. This helps law enforcement track down the pilot if there’s an incident – like how Boston Police recently found guys flying near an airport by tracing their drone’s ID signal.

Learn more: Key FAA Drone Regulations Every U.S. Pilot Should Know

All these federal rules still apply in Louisiana. Louisiana’s law is an extra layer on top. For example, if you fly over a parade, you’re breaking Louisiana state law (as we discussed). You might also be violating FAA rules about flying over people without a waiver. But even if the FAA doesn’t catch you, Louisiana can now punish you. It’s double trouble.

What about shooting down drones – isn’t that illegal? Under federal law (18 USC §32), it’s illegal to damage or destroy any aircraft in U.S. airspace. The FAA has clarified that includes drones. So if you were to shoot someone’s drone, you could face federal charges. The only exceptions are those given by Congress to certain agencies. Louisiana’s law doesn’t override federal law; it just says under state law the police can do this. In practice, will federal authorities prosecute a Louisiana cop for jamming a drone to protect a crowd? Extremely unlikely – especially if Congress is on the verge of legitimizing that kind of action nationwide. Still, some legal analysts have noted the “confusing constitutionality” of Louisiana’s move. It’s a grey area until either Congress or courts clarify it. But from a common-sense standpoint, if a drone is threatening people, I doubt anyone is going to fault an officer for taking it down. It’s the same logic by which a firefighter or cop might break other rules in an emergency to save lives.

FAA Coordination: Ideally, Louisiana law enforcement will coordinate with federal agencies when using these powers. For instance, DHS might provide some equipment or training (since they have experience with counter-drone at the border and such). The law doesn’t spell it out, but one could imagine Louisiana police working with the FBI or FAA for major events. The DEFENSE Act (federal bill in Congress) even envisions that – requiring DHS/DOJ oversight and training when extending authority to locals. Louisiana essentially jumped ahead of Congress by not waiting for that and just authorizing their own cops right now.

Other States’ Drone Laws: Most states have passed drone laws, but none (until Louisiana) gave local police explicit shoot-down powers. Other states focus on things like:

• Privacy: e.g., making it illegal to use drones for voyeurism or spying into private areas. (Louisiana has such laws too, like criminal trespass via drone and voyeurism statutes.)
  
• Critical Infrastructure: e.g., Texas makes it a misdemeanor to fly a drone over critical infrastructure facilities (like refineries, power plants) below 400 feet. Many states have similar no-fly zones around prisons, power plants, and even schools. Louisiana itself had a 2016 law prohibiting drone surveillance of schools and penalizing it with fines and jail.

Also Read— What House Bill 41 Means for You and Texas Drones

• Emergency interference: Some states penalize drone pilots who interfere with police or firefighting activities (like flying over a wildfire where firefighting aircraft are operating).
• Weaponization: A number of states ban arming drones with weapons. (Remember the YouTube video of a drone firing a handgun? States reacted with laws against that.)

• State preemption: Quite a few states (including Louisiana) passed laws that only the state can regulate drones, not individual cities. This was to avoid a patchwork of local ordinances. Ironically, now Louisiana as a state is stepping into an area that was once solely federal. It’s akin to how states push back on federal oversight in some areas but not others.
  

For example, Colorado makes it illegal to obstruct emergency responders with a drone. Virginia had an early law (2013) that limited how police can use drones (they required warrants in many cases to protect privacy) – that was actually one of the first drone laws but it was about government use, not citizen misuse. California has a law that if a drone interferes with emergency services (like firefighting), the operator can be fined. New Jersey and Florida punish drone harassment and voyeurism. But indeed, until now, no state said “our cops can knock a drone out of the sky.”

That’s why Louisiana is being watched closely. If it holds up and proves effective, other states might copy-paste Louisiana’s law. If the feds or courts push back, then Louisiana might have to adjust. Louisiana officials are betting on the former and set a precedent.

And it seems they’re not alone in spirit: as mentioned, there’s a federal push to extend these powers to states at least for big events. Just in May 2025, a bipartisan group in Congress introduced the DEFENSE Act (H.R. 3207). This bill, if passed, would let DHS and DOJ deputize state and local law enforcement to use approved counter-drone tech at events like stadium games, concerts, etc.. Congressman Rudy Yakym, one of the sponsors, said, “The DEFENSE Act allows local law enforcement to step in when drones threaten large public events… whether it’s a sold-out game or a concert.” It’s basically the federal version of what Louisiana is doing, but with more federal oversight. The DEFENSE Act insists on training, DHS-approved equipment, and coordination with FAA and FCC. It’s still a proposal, but it shows momentum. Even major sports leagues like the NFL and MLB are supporting it, because they want their stadiums protected from drones.

So Louisiana jumped first, and the federal government might catch up soon. There’s also a possibility that Louisiana could face a legal challenge from someone (say, a drone pilot advocacy group might sue, claiming the state law is preempted by federal law). But unless/until that happens, the law stands.

If you’re a drone pilot, you should abide by both FAA rules and Louisiana’s additional rules when in that state. The FAA cares about things like altitude, airspace, and not endangering aircraft. Louisiana cares about you not flying where you might endanger people on the ground (parades, schools) or sensitive sites (infrastructure, etc.). There’s overlap (both would frown on, say, flying over a refinery), but Louisiana will punish it via their system.

One more note: There are federal efforts to improve drone safety that don’t involve shooting them down. The FAA’s Remote ID rule we mentioned is one – it helps identify bad actors. They’re also promoting geofencing (some manufacturers program drones not to fly into certain high-risk zones like airport runways). DJI, the leading manufacturer, used to have mandatory geofencing that physically prevented their drones from entering no-fly zones unless unlocked, but they recently dropped the hard restriction in favor of just warnings. That put more onus on pilots to comply. The FAA is testing systems to detect and even maybe electronically control drones near airports. There’s talk of maybe one day having an automated system that can force rogue drones to land and ticket the owners, similar to how traffic cams ticket speeders. But those are down the road.

For now, Louisiana isn’t waiting. They’ve said: if there’s a dangerous drone, our cops can take it out.). And it raises an interesting question: Will we see a patchwork of state drone defenses, or a unified federal approach? That brings us to how others are reacting and what might come next.

The Debate: Security Boost or Government Overreach?

Whenever a law like this comes out, there are mixed reactions. Supporters hail it as a necessary step to protect the public. Critics worry about potential abuse, legal issues, or unintended consequences. 

What Supporters Say

“It’s about time! We can’t just sit around and wait for a disaster. Louisiana is leading the way in public safety.”

Supporters point to the fact that the legislature passed it unanimously – clearly, the folks in Louisiana politics think it’s a good idea. Governor Landry and others have framed it as preventing a tragedy before it happens. State Shield’s CEO (and others concerned with national security) applaud it for tackling the drone threat from criminals and hostile nations. They’ll say drones in the wrong hands can be a game of 21st-century cat-and-mouse, and now we’re giving the cat some claws. Supporters argue the law gives law enforcement the tools they need to do their job and keep people safe. Why should police have to stand by and watch a drone do something dangerous just because of red tape? This law cuts through that.

They also claim it will deter reckless drone behavior. If you know the cops can and will take down your drone and throw you in jail, you’ll think twice about flying where you shouldn’t.. They see it as empowering communities to defend themselves in an era where threats can literally come from above via a $1000 gadget anyone can buy online. 

There’s also a pride aspect: Louisiana being “first in the nation” on something like this. It positions the state as a pioneer in drone policy. If you’re in law enforcement in Louisiana, you might be thinking “finally, we have the green light to act if we see a drone endangering people.” That must be a relief to some officers who maybe have already encountered such situations and felt hamstrung.

What Critics Say

“Hold on – is this even legal? And won’t this lead to mistakes?” 

The critics of this law raise a few points:

• Federal Preemption: As discussed, airspace is federal turf. Some legal experts are likely concerned that Louisiana’s law won’t hold up in court. It could be challenged and struck down for conflicting with federal authority. This worry might not be top of mind for the average person, but for policy wonks it’s a serious question. If a drone pilot with money and a good lawyer gets charged under this law, they might fight it on constitutional grounds. That could tie it up in litigation and possibly invalidate parts of it.
• False Alarms / Overreach: Drones are used by a lot of hobbyists and professionals who are following the rules. Critics wonder if police might take down drones that aren’t actually threats. The law says “nefarious manner,” but who defines that in the moment? It might end up being a split-second judgment call by an officer on the ground looking up at a drone. The officer might not be able to tell if a drone is authorized or not. How will cops differentiate an “authorized” drone (say a media outlet with permission) from an unauthorized one just by looking?. Will there be a list of allowed drones’ Remote ID codes? What if someone forgot to get a permit but is just filming innocently – do they get their drone shot down because the cop assumes it’s “nefarious”? There’s fear of overzealous enforcement or plain misunderstandings.
• Safety of Countermeasures: Ironically, a poorly executed drone take-down could itself pose a risk. Shooting a metal object out of the sky means that object (or the bullets) have to come down somewhere. Critics worry about collateral damage. Say an officer jams a drone and it crashes onto a car on the highway, causing an accident. Who’s liable? Or a drone is shot and fragments hit someone. Those scenarios are possible. The law emphasizes safety, but in the heat of the moment mistakes happen. There’s concern that in trying to protect from one threat, you introduce another.
• Training and Knowledge: There are Louisiana drone pilots worried whether officers will have enough knowledge of the actual laws and technology. They are supportive of safety but cautious, hoping that cops will make judgment calls based on law or safety not just ‘because they feel it’s the right thing to do’. Many people do fly unsafe or illegally and that’s a problem. But like any law, it has its pros and cons. Good idea in principle, but will the execution be sound?
• Privacy and Abuse: Some civil liberties folks might be uneasy that police now have another tool in their arsenal that could be misused. Could an officer use this law as a pretext to stop journalists from using drones to film something (claiming it was “nefarious”)? What about hobbyists just taking sunset pictures – could a paranoid officer harass them? While nothing in the law targets privacy per se (in fact it’s on the safety side), any expansion of police power invites the question of oversight. The Louisiana law doesn’t detail oversight mechanisms (unlike the proposed federal approach which mandates federal oversight, training, and approved equipment). So, critics might ask: who will ensure Louisiana officers use these counter-drone powers appropriately? Right now, it seems to rely on internal policies and the “safe and reasonable” language.
• Drone Community Reaction: Some drone enthusiasts are pretty upset, saying things like it’s an overreaction, or joking “time to avoid flying in Louisiana, they’ll shoot your drone for anything.” They worry it sets a precedent that could spread to other states, making the skies a patchwork of aggressive enforcement. Drone businesses (like photographers) might be concerned about how this affects their operations – although if they’re licensed and follow rules, they should be fine, but they might fear being targeted by mistake.

Here’s some drone hobbyist forum and social media chatter about this:

The Middle Ground

It’s possible to see merit in both sides. Yes, drones can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and law enforcement needs a way to respond. But also yes, there’s complexity in doing this right. One might argue that’s exactly why federal guidance and training are needed, like in that DEFENSE Act, so it’s not a free-for-all. Louisiana is forging ahead, and maybe they will develop solid protocols that other states can learn from. Or maybe they’ll hit some bumps that show what not to do.

What should you think of this? If you’re an average person, you might feel safer knowing police can knock down a drone that’s hovering over a schoolyard or parade. If you’re a drone pilot, you might feel a bit more anxious about flying even when you’re doing nothing wrong, worried someone might misinterpret your flight. The key will be how responsibly and selectively this power is used. If Louisiana police only use it in clear-cut situations – like a drone buzzing a parade float or hovering over a stadium after repeated warnings – then public opinion will likely stay positive. If there’s a news story that a cop shot down a student’s photography drone that was nowhere near people “just because,” then backlash will come.

One thing’s certain: the whole country is watching this. If it goes well, don’t be surprised if your state proposes something similar. If it goes poorly, Louisiana might rethink or others might hold off.

Will Other States Follow Louisiana’s Lead?

Louisiana’s move could be the start of a trend. You might be wondering if your state will adopt similar laws. It’s certainly possible. Lawmakers around the country are paying attention to any tool that can address drone concerns, especially after incidents like drones halting airport traffic (remember London’s Gatwick Airport shutdown in 2018 due to mystery drones?), or drones dropping contraband into prisons, etc. Many states have been inching toward stricter drone regulations, albeit mostly in narrower ways (like banning flights over certain facilities).

Because Louisiana is the first, it’s a test case. If we see positive results – for example, if Louisiana law enforcement successfully prevents an incident using this law (say they intercept a drone that was headed toward a crowded festival stage), that news will spread. Other states will say “we want that capability too.” Perhaps states with big events (hello, Nevada with Las Vegas concerts, or Indiana with the Indy 500, or New York with Times Square events) are interested. The fact that Congress is already looking at enabling this for large events shows there’s momentum at the national levely.

However, states might also wait for the federal government to act. If the DEFENSE Act or similar legislation passes, it might create a framework where states can apply for permission to use counter-drone measures under federal oversight. That would be a cleaner legal path. But Congress can be slow, and states can act faster.

One scenario: States that have had notable drone scares will be next in line. For example:

• California (a drone interfered with wildfire fighting – they might want to empower firefighters or local sheriffs to take down drones in emergency situations).
  
• New York (lots of major events, NYPD might love to have this power for crowd security).
  
• Texas (they already have strict drone laws around infrastructure; Texas might want to take it further to allow neutralizing drones over, say, oil refineries or the border).
  
• Nevada (Las Vegas New Year’s Eve or big conventions – they might consider it).
  
• Florida (Disney World is a no-fly zone by FAA TFR; Florida might codify state penalties too, plus they have lots of sports events and beaches where drones sometimes cause issues).

It’s also possible some states will take a “wait and see” approach. They’ll see if Louisiana faces any lawsuits or if the feds push back. If it’s smooth sailing, they jump in. If Louisiana gets tangled up in court or if an incident occurs (like, heaven forbid, an innocent drone gets taken down and someone sues the police for property damage), other states might pump the brakes.

For now, Louisiana’s law is sending a message to both good and bad drone operators: step out of line and there will be consequences. It’s also sending a message to Washington D.C.: if you don’t expand drone defenses, states will do it on their own. That Louisiana is “at the forefront” and it’s likely to “influence future legislation nationwide”. 

What should you take away?

If you’re a drone pilot:

• Educate yourself on not just federal FAA rules, but also state and local laws where you fly. They can vary a lot. (Louisiana’s case is extreme, but other states might have weird specific rules too.)
  
• In Louisiana, be extra cautious. Maybe avoid any flight that could even remotely be seen as sensitive. Use the FAA’s B4UFLY app or other tools to check restrictions. Stay well away from crowds, schools, critical facilities, etc., unless you have explicit permission.
  
• Have your documentation in order. If you are authorized to film an event (say you’re hired to do so), maybe inform local police ahead of time so they don’t mistake your drone for a rogue.
  
• Use Remote ID and be transparent if you’re doing nothing wrong. It can quickly prove you’re the legit operator if questions arise.
  

If you’re a member of the public:

• You can feel some reassurance that Louisiana police have a new option to deal with any malicious drones. Next time you’re at a big event in Louisiana and you see a drone overhead, know that it’s either supposed to be there (permitted) or the cops might be on their way to dealing with it.
  
• But also, if you own property, note you still generally can’t shoot drones yourself. Call the police if a drone is harassing you – now they might actually be able to do something immediate about it, which wasn’t true in the past.
  

Public opinion and awareness will shape how such laws are viewed. If people like the results (no incidents, safer feeling at events), they’ll support it. If there are controversies (like someone’s kid’s drone getting zapped unnecessarily), that could sour it.

FAQs About “We Will Act” Law for Louisiana drones

What is Louisiana’s new drone law all about? 

The “We Will Act” law lets Louisiana state and local police actively intercept and disable drones they consider a credible threat to public safety. For the first time, police—not just federal agents—can jam, hack, or physically take down a drone in certain situations.

When does Louisiana’s drone law take effect? 

The law goes into effect on August 1, 2025. After that, the rules and penalties kick in for everyone flying drones in Louisiana.

Who is allowed to take down drones under this law? 

Only specially trained police officers in Louisiana have this authority. It’s not for every cop on patrol—these actions are limited to officers with proper training, and only when there’s a strong reason to believe a drone is a threat or involved in criminal activity.

What counts as a “threat” under Louisiana’s drone law?

A drone is only targeted if police believe it’s a credible or “nefarious” threat—meaning it could endanger people, property, or is clearly involved in criminal activity. Examples include flying over parades, schools, critical infrastructure, or smuggling contraband. Just flying in an open park for fun usually doesn’t qualify.

What can Louisiana police actually do to my drone?

Police in Louisiana can use a range of tactics to stop a dangerous drone. This includes jamming your drone’s signals, hacking its controls, or physically capturing or disabling it (think nets, electronic “takeovers,” or even shooting it down—but only if it’s safe to do so).

Will police warn me before taking down my drone?

Often, yes. If police spot your drone in a restricted zone, you might first get a warning—either in person, over loudspeaker, or via a drone detection system. But if they think your drone is an urgent threat, they can act fast and bring it down without prior notice.

What should I do if my drone gets jammed, hacked, or taken down by police?

If your drone suddenly loses connection, lands on its own, or acts erratically, immediately try to recover it—if it’s safe and allowed. Contact local authorities for information, especially if you believe you were in compliance with the law. Never argue or try to retrieve your drone from a restricted area without permission.

Can police really shoot drones out of the sky? 

Yes, but only as a last resort—and only if it’s safe. Police are expected to use judgment and try safer options like jamming or hacking first. Shooting a drone down over a crowd would be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Can private citizens shoot down drones under this law?

Absolutely not. Only trained law enforcement officers have the authority to take down drones. If you try to disable someone else’s drone—even over your own property—you could be charged under federal law and face hefty penalties.

What happens if someone’s drone damages my property?

You can report it to the police. If the drone was breaking Louisiana’s law, officers can investigate and pursue both criminal charges and property compensation. Remember, you should never take matters into your own hands.

What’s the difference between federal “No Drone Zones” and Louisiana’s no-fly zones?

 Federal No Drone Zones are set by the FAA (often over stadiums, airports, disaster sites), and they’re enforced everywhere in the U.S. Louisiana’s no-fly zones, like over parades and some public events, are extra layers on top of federal rules—and come with additional state-level penalties.

How do I check for drone restrictions before flying?

Use the FAA’s B4UFLY app, check local government websites, and pay attention to signs and public announcements—especially around festivals, schools, or big infrastructure sites. When in doubt, skip the flight.

Can any officer take down Louisiana drones, or is special training required?

Only specially trained officers can use the powers under the “We Will Act” law. Regular street cops won’t be given drone-jamming tools—this is reserved for select teams who receive specific training in drone countermeasures.

What happens if I fly my drone over a parade or big event in Louisiana?

If you fly over a parade or event without permission, you’re breaking the law. You could face a fine of at least $2,000 (and up to $5,000), lose your drone to police confiscation, and even spend up to a year in jail. Parades and crowded events are strict no-fly zones for drones.

Are there exceptions to the parade and event rules for Louisiana drones?

There are exceptions for Louisiana drones if you have special permission—like being hired for movie or TV production. But for most people (including journalists and hobbyists), you can’t just show up and film with your drone.

What other places are off-limits for Louisiana drones under the new law?

Besides parades, you should steer clear of schools, prisons, power plants, and other “critical infrastructure.” Flying near these sensitive spots can get you in trouble under the new law, especially if officers think your drone poses a threat.

Does the “We Will Act” law for Louisiana drones override federal drone rules?

No, you still need to follow all federal FAA drone rules, including registering your drone, keeping it under 400 feet, and avoiding restricted airspace. The Louisiana law adds another layer, so breaking state rules can get you into trouble even if you’re technically following FAA rules.

Are other states passing laws like Louisiana’s “We Will Act” for drones?

Right now, Louisiana is the first state to give police such broad powers, but lawmakers in other states are watching closely. If the law works well, it might inspire similar laws in places with big events or critical infrastructure.

What should I do before flying a drone in Louisiana after August 1, 2025?

Before flying, always check local event schedules, read up on state and FAA rules, and stay far away from crowds, schools, and sensitive facilities. If you have permission to fly for a special project, let local authorities know ahead of time.

What should visiting drone pilots or tourists know?

Visiting Louisiana with a drone? Learn the state laws before you fly! Ignorance isn’t an excuse, and being from out of state won’t get you off the hook if you break Louisiana’s drone rules. Will this law face legal challenges?Possibly. Some legal experts say Louisiana’s law could clash with federal airspace regulations. Until courts or Congress clarify, police are enforcing the new state law—so if you’re a pilot, act as if every word is in force.

Will this law face legal challenges?

Possibly. Some legal experts say Louisiana’s law could clash with federal airspace regulations. Until courts or Congress clarify, police are enforcing the new state law—so if you’re a pilot, act as if every word is in force.