As drone technology accelerates, so does the need for robust airspace security. In a significant move to modernize physical security measures, Michigan lawmakers have introduced a new bipartisan bill aimed at protecting state-owned buildings and critical infrastructure from unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
For security teams and facility managers, this development underscores a growing national trend: airspace awareness is no longer optional—it is a critical component of comprehensive security.
Introduced on December 2, 2025, by Republican Representative Mike Harris (Oakland County), House Bill 5323 seeks to empower the State of Michigan with the legal and technical tools to secure its airspace.
The bill proposes allowing the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) to:
Deploy Drone Detection Technology: Install systems around state-owned buildings and critical infrastructure to detect and identify unmanned aircraft.
Implement Mitigation Measures: Utilize technology to prevent unauthorized drones from entering restricted airspace over sensitive facilities.
Expand Geofencing: Collaborate with the Department of Transportation to ensure these facilities are included in statewide geofencing databases.
The legislation has garnered bipartisan support, with 19 Republicans and 10 Democrats co-sponsoring the bill. It is currently under consideration by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Representative Harris highlighted a concern that Airsight has long championed: the rapid evolution of drone capabilities.
"Bad actors can use drones to surveil secure locations, disrupt operations, or threaten critical infrastructure. This legislation gives Michigan the tools to detect unauthorized drones before they cause harm and to block them from entering restricted airspace." — Rep. Mike Harris
From contraband drops at correctional facilities to surveillance of government buildings, the "drone threat" is not hypothetical. As consumer drones become faster, quieter, and capable of carrying heavier payloads, traditional ground-based security perimeters are easily bypassed.
A core component of the proposed bill involves geofencing. For those new to the term, a study published in the International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology defines geofencing as "a method of defining a virtual barrier on a real geographical location."
In the context of airspace security, geofencing creates a digital perimeter. When a drone approaches this "virtual fence," the operator (or the drone's software) receives a warning, or in some cases, the drone is software-restricted from entering the zone.
However, while geofencing is a powerful tool, it relies on the compliance of the drone manufacturer and the operator. This is why active detection hardware—like RF sensors and radar—remains the gold standard for high-security environments.
Michigan’s legislative push is a signal to security directors across all sectors, not just government. The recognition that state buildings need drone detection validates the technology as a standard safety requirement, similar to CCTV or access control systems.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) already restricts flights near sensitive locations like airports and military bases, but state-level bills like HB 5323 are critical for closing the gap for other high-risk facilities.
If you manage a critical facility, correctional institution, or government building, you don't have to wait for legislation to pass to start protecting your perimeter.
Airsight’s AirGuard platform provides real-time detection, identifying drones and their pilots instantly. We help you turn the invisible threat of unauthorized drones into visible, actionable intelligence.