Senate Bill

SB 227

Counter action against unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

In plain English

Makes the state police department the statewide lead agency for counter-drone activities allowed under federal law. The bill applies only after a federal law allows state or local police to detect, track, identify, or stop drones and the governor publishes a notice. It lets the state police name local agencies and Indianapolis as a pilot location, and makes other changes.

Written by AI from the official digest below, and checked only by automated rules. If they differ, the official digest and bill text control.

Official digest

Provides that the state police department is the statewide coordinating agency for counter-UAS activities authorized under federal law. Provides that the bill's provisions apply: (1) if a federal law is enacted that authorizes state or local law enforcement personnel to detect, track, identify, or mitigate a UAS under federal approval, certification, or oversight; and (2) after the governor publishes a notice in the Indiana Register that includes a description of the authorization and identifies the federal statute or program that provides the authorization. Provides that the state police department may designate a law enforcement agency of a political subdivision as a participating agency if the agency satisfies federal requirements for personnel training and operational readiness. Provides that the state police department may designate Indianapolis as a pilot project location due to the concentration of high-risk sites and special event assessment rating events. Provides that mitigation activities may not be performed unless expressly authorized under federal law.

Latest action: Public Law 72, March 4, 2026Full text and history at iga.in.gov

Authors and sponsors

Scott Baldwin, Aaron Freeman, Cyndi Carrasco, Steve Bartels

Co-authors and co-sponsors: Ed Charbonneau, Daryl Schmitt, Eric Koch, Kendell Culp, Ryan Lauer

Roll-call votes

2 recorded votes, oldest first. Third-reading votes decide whether a bill passes a chamber; amendment votes and procedural motions are listed too.

Senate · Jan 26, 2026

Third reading: vote to pass

Roll call text: SB 227 - Baldwin - 3rd Reading

Passed

44 yes0 no5 did not vote

Republicans: 37 yes, 0 no, 2 did not voteDemocrats: 7 yes, 0 no, 3 did not vote

How each member voted

House · Feb 24, 2026

Third reading: vote to pass

Roll call text: SB 227 - Bartels - 3rd Reading

Passed

97 yes0 no3 did not vote

Republicans: 67 yes, 0 no, 2 did not voteDemocrats: 29 yes, 0 no, 1 did not voteIndependents: 1 yes, 0 no

How each member voted

Yes (97)

Did not vote (3)

Source: Open States, compiled from the Indiana General Assembly's official roll calls. The official record at iga.in.gov controls. Spot an error? Let us know.