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Capitol commission explores drone detection tech, seeks legal path to geofence airspace
Summary
Staff briefed the Michigan State Capitol Commission on drone detection technology, an upcoming demonstration with Airspace Link, and the need for state legislation and critical-infrastructure designation to enable enforcement.
Robbie, a staff member reporting to the Michigan State Capitol Commission, told commissioners the rapid advance of drone technology is outpacing law and policy and poses security questions for the Capitol building and public events.
Robbie said the commission has been meeting with industry groups and that a Michigan-based firm, Airspace Link, demonstrated software that maps drone flight paths and can tie flights back to a pilot’s location. He said the firm already works with Ford Field, Comerica Park, Detroit Airport and major stadiums and that the software looks “like an air-traffic control pattern” when applied to Detroit.
Robbie said he is arranging a follow-up demonstration for Michigan State Police and Chair Candler and that, after that meeting, staff will recommend next steps. He described monitoring drone activity as the first step in a broader Capitol security plan.
Robbie emphasized legal limits on local enforcement: the Federal Aviation Administration monitors drone flights and, he said, the FBI currently handles enforcement actions tied to suspect flights. He said state legislation being drafted by state Representative Bill Bruck could help answer who may fly over the Capitol, where drones may land or drop packages, and whether event pilots must be licensed.
Robbie said one legal tool that would allow local protections is classifying the Michigan State Capitol as critical infrastructure; that designation would enable a geofence to keep drones out of Capitol airspace and would allow state authorities to enforce the restriction.
Commission members expressed support for pursuing legal authority. Commissioner Bauer said he had assumed the Capitol already sat in a no-fly zone; Robbie said the commission only has a policy that asks pilots not to fly over the building but lacks an enforcement arm. No formal action or vote was taken at the meeting.
Next steps reported were a demonstration with Airspace Link, a meeting with Michigan State Police and Chair Candler, and possible legislative coordination with Representative Bill Bruck. Robbie said he will present recommendations for commission approval before moving forward.
