The Wyoming Legislature on Tuesday afternoonoverrode the governor’s late Monday veto of a bill designed to give local law enforcement agents authority to deal with mystery drones over critical infrastructure.
Strange lighted flying objects have been spotted in at least eight Wyoming counties since October, sometimes over critical infrastructure like power plants, and often flying in formation.
To address pressing concerns in her county, Sen. Stacy Jones, R-Rock Springs, sponsored Senate File 132, which will now give local law enforcement agents the ability to recommend criminal charges against drone operators who fly over critical infrastructures, with some exceptions.
It will authorize Wyoming law enforcement to use “reasonable actions” to stop drones, including by disabling or damaging them, and it will let the governor deploy the Wyoming National Guard to stop problematic drones as well.
Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed the bill late Monday, saying federal law preempts it and SF 132 puts law enforcement personnel in “a Catch 22 situation where they are authorized by the state to break federal law and regulations.”
On Tuesday, the Wyoming Senate voted 23-8 to override Gordon’s veto, while the House backed the override 47-13.
Rep. Julie Jarvis, R-Casper, said she voted against the override because President Donald Trump and FAA have assured the public the drones are friendly and authorized.
“So, we do have a person at the helm who is going to take action on this,” said Jarvis.
Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, also urged a no-vote on the override, saying an aye vote would not “back the blue.”
It is a federal felony to destroy aircraft. Provenza worries the bill makes law enforcement agents federally culpable.
Rep. JT Larson, R-Rock Springs, urged an aye vote, however.
He said this bill will send a message “more than anything, that Wyoming is ready to defend its air space.”
It contains a clause saying the Wyoming attorney general “shall” represent National Guard members or law enforcement officials caught in litigation due to their actions under the new law.
Rep. Ken Clouston, R-Gillette, noted that Wyoming passed a law two years ago authorizing state action against drones over prisons, with similar language.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
