Police Chief Magazine|Columns|Legislative Update
FCC Takes Action to Implement SAFER SKIES Act

July 10, 2026

The SAFER SKIES Act, enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 and signed into law in December 2025, established new authorities for eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to address credible drone threats. In support of these authorities, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced several implementation actions, including temporary spectrum authority for approved counter-drone systems, guidance on lawful counter-UAS operations, and measures to accelerate access to authorized equipment. Together, these actions provide agencies with greater legal clarity and operational flexibility as they evaluate and deploy counter-drone capabilities. Agencies interested in exercising the new authorities are encouraged to review the FCC’s guidance and implementation materials.

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Legislative Update
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Federal Funding Opportunities for Law Enforcement and Public Safety Agencies

June 18, 2026 Several recently released DOJ funding opportunities offer grant funding directly to state, local, tribal, territorial, and other public safety agencies...
Legislative Update
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National Police Week: Honoring the Profession and Advancing Public Safety Priorities

May 15, 2026 Police and law enforcement officers from across the United States gathered in Washington, DC, to honor the service and sacrifice of all policing professionals during National Police Week...
Legislative Update
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Congress Ends DHS Funding Impasse

May 1, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of DHS funding and the FY2027 appropriations pr...
Legislative Update
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DHS Shutdown Continues as Budget Process Moves Forward

The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the current DHS funding lapse and the President’s DOJ bu...
Legislative Update
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Congressional Recess Pauses DHS Funding Negotiations as Shutdown Continues

April 3, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the ongoing DHS funding lapse and recent DOJ leader...
Legislative Update
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DHS Funding Lapse Continues as Negotiations Stall

March 20, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the DHS funding lapse, ongoing negotiations, and r...
Legislative Update
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DHS Funding Lapse Continues Following State of the Union Address

February 27, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the President’s State of the Union address ...
Legislative Update
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DHS Funding Deadline Approaches

February 13, 2026 Congress has not yet reached an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the current funding is set to expire tonight, February 13. Without a new deal, par...
Legislative Update
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Senate Reaches Agreement to Move Forward on Government Funding

January 30, 2026 The Senate reached an agreement Thursday to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the January 30 funding deadline. Under the agreement, funding for the Department of Homeland S...
Legislative Update
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Government Funding Bills Advance as January 30 Deadline Nears

January 16, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the FY 2026 appropriations process, incl...
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