STAR Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8458
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-22: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-28T05:53:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Stopping Theft and Aerospace Reconnaissance Act (STAR Act), H.R. 8458, aims to protect critical NASA facilities and commercial space launch sites from threats posed by unmanned aircraft (commonly known as drones). It grants specific authorities to counter drone risks to safety and security.
Key Provisions
- NASA Protections (New Section 20118 in Title 51):
- Authorizes the NASA Administrator (and staff) to detect, track, warn, disrupt control, seize, confiscate, or use reasonable force to disable/destroy drones threatening "covered facilities" (NASA sites critical to its operations).
- Seized drones are forfeited to the U.S. government.
- Requires warning signs at facilities.
- Mandates policy development with the Attorney General, Defense Secretary, Homeland Security Secretary, and FAA Administrator.
- Annual consultations with local law enforcement (county-level agencies) for safest methods.
- Drone operators are liable for any damages from mitigation actions; NASA has no special immunity.
- Reporting: Immediate reports to local law enforcement for disruptive actions; annual reports to Congress, federal agencies on actions, justifications, and privacy protections.
- Commercial Space Launch Protections (New Section 50925 in Title 51):
- Similar authorities for "covered entities" (companies licensed for space launches, reentries, testing, or manufacturing) to protect "covered property" (their sites, including overlying airspace).
- Seized drones forfeited to local law enforcement.
- Requires warning signs and annual local law enforcement consultations.
- Drone operators liable for damages.
- Reporting: Immediate reports to local law enforcement and NASA on disruptive actions.
- Definitions align with FAA law (e.g., "unmanned aircraft system" means a drone and its control system).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Creates explicit overrides of other laws, allowing drone interference (e.g., jamming signals) without operator consent—previously restricted by FAA rules, communications laws (e.g., FCC), or privacy statutes.
- Introduces forfeiture processes and operator liability tailored to space assets.
- Adds clerical updates to chapter tables of contents in Title 51 (NASA and commercial space chapters).
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Empowers NASA and commercial space licensees with proactive defense tools; increases coordination/reporting burdens for NASA, FAA, DHS, DoD.
- Citizens/Drone Operators: Risks drone loss, damage, or operator liability for flying near protected sites; promotes awareness via signage.
- Space Industry: Bolsters security for launches and facilities, potentially reducing theft or espionage risks.
- No direct effects on international relations noted.
Main Stakeholders
- NASA (Administrator and staff).
- Commercial space companies (licensed for launches/reentries).
- Drone operators (individuals/businesses flying near sites).
- Local law enforcement (county agencies for consultations/reports/forfeitures).
- Federal agencies (FAA, DHS, DoD, Justice Department).
- Congress (oversight committees).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: May conflict with existing drone regulations (FAA) or electronic communications protections; requires privacy/civil liberties safeguards in policies/reports.
- Constitutional: Balances public safety against property rights (drones as personal property) and due process (via forfeiture and liability); no absolute immunity emphasizes accountability.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (Reps. Soto and Dunn); focuses on emerging drone threats to U.S. space leadership without broader mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-22: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-04-22: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Stopping Theft and Aerospace Reconnaissance Act — issued 2026-04-22 — PDF (12 pages)