Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; counter-unmanned aircraft systems strategy and coordinating council; establish. Creates new act.
Key claim: The bill would create a new Michigan law establishing a statewide counter-drone strategy and a coordinating council to plan responses to unmanned aircraft threats.
Abstract
(SB1164 · 103rd Legislature) Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; counter-unmanned aircraft systems strategy and coordinating council; establish. Creates new act. Sponsor: Sen. Kevin Hertel (D) + 1 co-sponsor In committee: S Transportation And Infrastructure Latest action (2026-09-10): Referred To Committee On Transportation And Infrastructure
Why this matters
Michigan’s existing UAS-related pages focus on discrete operational tools — geofencing, downing authorization, restricted zones, key-facility designations. This finding would add a governance layer on top: a statewide strategy and a coordinating council tasked with organizing how those tools and responses fit together. As introduced, it is a planning step rather than an enforcement change.