East Arizona News

Republican State Representative David Marshall announced the signing of HB2733 into law. This legislation provides legal protection for law enforcement officers who disable drones suspected of aiding criminal activities within 15 miles of Arizona's international border.

The law grants qualified immunity to peace officers acting on reasonable suspicion that a drone is involved in organized crime, drug trafficking, fraud, or terrorism. The bill received strong bipartisan support in the Legislature.

"These drones are being weaponized by cartels and traffickers to exploit our border," said Representative Marshall, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement. "They’re scouting our law enforcement positions, smuggling drugs like fentanyl, and coordinating criminal operations in real time. Officers shouldn’t have to face lawsuits just for doing their jobs and stopping these threats. HB2733 affirms that Arizona stands with law enforcement, not with the cartels."

Previously, officers lacked clear legal protection when disabling drones even if it was in defense of public safety. HB2733 ensures that peace officers can act decisively without fear of civil liability from drone operators or their enablers when acting on reasonable suspicion in the designated border zone.

This measure is part of the House Republican Majority Plan aimed at promoting public safety and protecting individual liberties while securing Arizona’s communities. It includes efforts to secure the border and counter drug cartels by equipping law enforcement with necessary tools and protections.

"Arizona Republicans are standing with law enforcement in the fight against fentanyl and securing our border," Representative Marshall added. "With this law, our officers can act quickly and decisively to stop cartel operations without worrying about legal blowback."

David Marshall serves as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 7, which covers Pinal, Gila, Coconino, and Navajo Counties. He also chairs the House Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement.

Information from this article can be found here.