LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan lawmakers have introduced a sweeping package of bills aimed at securing the state’s airspace and critical infrastructure from foreign interference, unauthorized surveillance, and reckless drone activity.
The legislative package, called the S.H.I.E.L.D. Plan, short for Securing Homeland & Infrastructure with Emerging Laws for Drones, would create statewide standards for how drones are purchased, used, and restricted across both public and private sectors.
Rep. William Bruck (R–Erie) says the plan strikes a balance between innovation and accountability, as drones continue to play an expanding role in commerce, public safety, and research.
“These bills are about protecting taxpayer-funded operations from foreign threats,” Bruck said, noting that Michigan would use the federal government’s list of “companies of concern” to determine which drones and software can be purchased by state or local agencies.
Under the package, state and local public entities, including colleges and universities, would be prohibited from purchasing or using drones or software developed by companies flagged as security risks by the federal government. Lawmakers say this step will prevent potential cyber vulnerabilities within sensitive operations.
The S.H.I.E.L.D. Plan also focuses heavily on protecting critical infrastructure such as power plants, prisons, and law enforcement buildings. The bills would:
- Restrict drones from flying near key facilities to prevent surveillance or smuggling.
- Require those facilities to post “No Drone Zone” signage and allow for geofencing technology to automatically restrict drone access.
- Allow infrastructure owners to install drone detection systems and grant law enforcement the power to disable drones that threaten public safety or disrupt essential services.
Another measure would create a statewide drone registry administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation, establishing accountability for drone ownership and outlining penalties for violations.
The proposal would also align Michigan’s drone procurement policies with federal standards, ensuring consistent security protocols for public agencies and educational institutions.
Bruck says the bills are a necessary step as drones become increasingly common tools in business, law enforcement, and research. The legislation, they say, ensures that Michigan’s skies remain open for innovation, but closed to foreign adversaries and security risks.
