By Pat Culverhouse

Law enforcement agencies in Louisiana are now authorized to actively intercept and disable drones that could pose credible threats to public safety.

In what is being hailed as the first of its kind in the nation, Governor Jeff Landry has signed into law the “We Will Act” act, a measure that grants state law enforcement authority to directly mitigate drone threats. The act gives state agencies authority usually reserved for federal entities.

“I’m glad Louisiana is getting ahead of other states in neutralizing drones in restricted areas. It’s time we as a state get proactive and not just reactive on certain situations,” said Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver.

“With so much uncertainty around the world and the threats of sleeper cells in our country, we need to be able to quickly eliminate threats in the skies,” the chief said.

Louisiana’s new law grants authority for specially trained officers to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic technologies to neutralize “unmanned aerial systems” operating unlawfully near high-risk areas including schools, public events and critical infrastructure.

“This law puts Louisiana on the front lines of drone defense,” Governor Landry said in a news release. “We are taking bold steps now to protect our people and our skies before tragedy strikes.”

Penalties for violators include fines of up to $5,000, up to one year in jail, and mandatory forfeiture of the drone used in the offense.

State officials believe the new law positions Louisiana at the forefront of state-level policy and likely sets a precedent that could influence future legislation nationwide.