The "Stopping Harmful Incidents to Enforce Lawful Drone Use Act," or SHIELD U Act, authorizes various entities to conduct Counter-UAS activities to detect, identify, and mitigate threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These activities, which include detecting, disrupting, seizing, or disabling drones, are permitted at commercial service airports and within the jurisdiction of state and local law enforcement agencies. The bill aims to enhance safety and security by providing a legal framework for responding to unauthorized drone operations.

At commercial service airports, the Department of Homeland Security, state and local law enforcement, and airport law enforcement agencies are authorized to carry out Counter-UAS activities with the consent and participation of the airport operator. Airports are required to convene a task force within two years to update their emergency preparedness plans, incorporating tactical response plans for UAS threats, in coordination with federal agencies, air carriers, and telecommunications providers. Additionally, equipment necessary for these Counter-UAS activities becomes eligible for Airport Improvement Program funding.

For activities off airport property, state and local law enforcement agencies are authorized to conduct Counter-UAS operations to mitigate threats within their jurisdiction. The bill also allows states, localities, and private sector entities to establish testing areas for Counter-UAS equipment, requiring cooperation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) unless significant safety hazards are posed. The use and testing of non-kinetic equipment (e.g., jamming technology) both on and off airport property necessitate consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The legislation amends the Communications Act of 1934 to create exceptions, allowing authorized state or local law enforcement and airport law enforcement to use covered equipment, including jamming technology, to counter UAS threats in consultation with the FCC. The FAA is mandated to establish an interim notification process for state and local law enforcement conducting Counter-UAS activities, ensuring warnings are issued to both manned and unmanned aircraft operators. Furthermore, federal departments are authorized to enter into contracts for Counter-UAS services, and the Office of Management and Budget will publish annual lists of recommended vendors and equipment for state and local governments.

Finally, the bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement federal law enforcement training curricula related to Counter-UAS activities, covering both kinetic and non-kinetic equipment and tactics. It explicitly states that nothing in the Act should be construed to abrogate the inherent authority of state or local governments to use their traditional police powers, particularly in response to an imminent threat to public health or safety.