Locals react to AZ bill that would allow law enforcement to shoot down drones near border
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A new Arizona bill would allow law enforcement to disable or shoot down drones flying near the border, and locals are sharing their thoughts on the controversial bill.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Mexican cartels are increasingly using drones to fly drugs into the United States, as well as to survey law enforcement.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes says, "It is a necessary step in fight against international drug trafficking and critical in our effort to protect all Arizonans."
Arizona House Bill 2733 would give law enforcement the tools and authorization they need by giving them liability immunity, but local drone operator Mike Bennett says taking down just any drone can have an impact on people who are enjoying the hobby.
"Separate out the legitimate from illegitimate. Don't shoot down someone's legitimate drone if they're doing photogrammetry or a variety of things. If they're going to take it out of the air, force it to land," he says.
Bennet adds that every drone flown in the U.S. comes with a remote ID, essentially a digital licence plate that transmits information about where it comes from.
"This is a smaller drone, but it still must have a remote I.D. If the police still don't get the remote I.D. That might not be registered and they're flying illegally," he explains.
Bennett shares the bill could be improved by adding input from the local drone community.
"I'm for law enforcement. I don't want drones coming in delivering drugs. But they're cutting us out. Those people need to listen to actual drone operators that have worked along the border and understand the environment," adds Bennett.
Yuma County Board of Supervisor Tony Reyes says the bill may be easier said than done.
"We have to take into account the privacy of people that live around here. If this bill allows them to shoot it down, they must shoot it down in a way that it doesnt create a public problem," shares Reyes.
Reyes adds that law makers may need to take some time to make some adjustments.
"I agree with the concept but I just don't know whether the execution is up to that level yet," he explains.
The Arizona House of Representatives passed the legislation earlier this month, now it has to be voted on by the State Senate.
