(The Center Square) – A new bill from a Virginia lawmaker aims to modernize drone rules for everyday use by speeding up federal approvals, using artificial intelligence to cut red tape, and helping local governments launch new flying technology programs.
The legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to update rules for drones that fly beyond the operator’s line of sight. Right now, most civilian drone operators need special permission from the Federal Aviation Administration before they can do that.
The bill would give the agency 30 days to propose new rules and six months to finalize them. The bill would also require the use of artificial intelligence tools to help process drone approval requests more efficiently, especially for commercial uses like logistics, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response.
Another part of the bill would create a pilot program to support electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically. These aircraft, known as eVTOLs, are being tested for future use in transportation and emergency services. The program would offer grants to state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments so they can take part in building new air mobility systems.
The bill builds on an executive order issued June 6 under President Donald Trump. That order called for expanding American drone technology and encouraging greater integration of drones into commerce and airspace operations. The bill also encourages more coordination with emergency responders, rural communities, and infrastructure officials to safely expand the use of drones.
Federal aviation rules were originally written for manned aircraft and present barriers to routine drone operations.
Kiggans has said the bill is designed to help the United States stay competitive while making it easier for safe and responsible users to operate drones.
“Importantly, this bill also establishes an Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) pilot program, which will provide grants to state and local governments to advance their drone operations, whether that be for law enforcement purposes, search and rescue, or infrastructure maintenance,” she continued.
“Drones are the way of the future,” she said. “We need to make sure we’re empowering American industries to meet the challenges of tomorrow – my LIFT Act does just that.”
If passed, the bill could lead to faster emergency responses, expanded drone deliveries, and more tools for local governments to test new flying technologies.
