Commission hears about drone detections; staff seeks critical‑infrastructure status to access federal funds

Rob told commissioners the commission recently installed an AirspaceLink drone detection system over Capitol Square and has logged detections showing FAA registration and the controller location for two drones that flew near the Capitol and Senate buildings. "When the detection it detects, fortunately, these 2 detections show the FAA license for each drone and also showed where the controller of the drone was located," Rob said.

Rob said he is working with Representative Bill Brock on a bipartisan legislative package he referred to as "Shield Michigan" and that the commission is pursuing designation of the Capitol Building as critical infrastructure. He said federal funds tied to such designations could support geofencing, detection systems and other mitigation measures and that being early in the process could improve access to limited funds.

Chair Candler and staff stressed the commission’s limited current authority over airspace and supported coordination with federal and state partners. Rob said he will meet with FAA attorneys to discuss critical‑infrastructure status and will speak at a drone symposium hosted by Representative Brock on Feb. 26 to present the commission’s approach.

No formal legislative action was taken by the commission during the meeting; staff described ongoing coordination with state and federal partners.