Committee Advances Multiple Bills: Drone Interdiction at Prisons, Medal of Honor Codification, Tribal Police Jurisdiction, Vessel Inspections

The Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee moved several bills forward Thursday.

House Bill 274, presented by Representative Simpson, would allow correctional facilities to take proactive steps — including jamming consistent with federal law and other measures — to prevent drones from delivering contraband to prison property. Representative Betzal offered two technical amendments to limit jamming to what is consistent with federal law and to clarify liability language; the amendments were adopted and the bill advanced with a favorable report.

House Bill 287 would codify an annual legislative medal-of-honor ceremony for law-enforcement officers who demonstrate acts of heroism; sponsors said the measure simply places the existing resolution-based practice into law, and the committee reported the bill favorably.

House Bill 301 would extend limited police authority to the Southeastern Muskogee Nation on reservation land in Pike County so the tribe may have an on-reservation police officer; the committee approved the bill.

House Bill 254 received a substitute clarifying when marine police and the Department of Conservation may stop and board vessels, preserving equipment‑inspection authority and avoiding unintended operational constraints; the substitute was adopted and the bill received a favorable report.

All listed measures were advanced by voice votes with favorable reports and will proceed in the legislative process.