DRONE BAN - STATE/LOCAL GOV AGENCIES

12/23/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFRS.US Provides Shared Emergency Robotic Response Services State and Local Governments Amid Federal Regulatory Changes

Wilmington, Ohio — Recent federal legislative and regulatory actions affecting certain foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have increased compliance complexity for state and local government agencies operating public safety drone programs. These developments have raised concerns regarding operational risk, administrative burden, and potential impacts on future federal funding eligibility.

AFRS.US offers a compliant alternative.

AFRS.US operates as a shared emergency services provider pursuant to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 9.43 (NFPA 2400 standards), enabling municipalities, counties, and public agencies to access professional shared emergency robotic services through contract, or verbal request—without assuming the regulatory, procurement, funding, or operational burdens associated with internally managed, silo-based drone programs.

Applicability of Recent Federal Actions

Federal actions contributing to the current compliance environment include:

• National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) restricting the use of certain foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems in federally funded programs.
  

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) “Covered List” determinations, which affect future authorization, importation, and sale of certain communications-enabled devices, including unmanned aircraft systems.

These new federal acts may apply to federally funded procurement and operations.

AFRS.US is not impacted by these restrictions, as all AFRS.US drone equipment, infrastructure, training, and operations have been purchased, maintained, and operated exclusively using private, non-federal funds. No federal grant funds, federal equipment, or federally subsidized labor are used in AFRS.US drone operations.

Accordingly, AFRS.US operations remain distinct from federally funded agency programs and are not subject to the same procurement or funding-based restrictions that may apply to state or local government-owned drone programs.

A Shared Services Model That Reduces Risk

By utilizing AFRS.US, agencies may:

• Maintain access to drone-enabled public safety and emergency response capabilities
  

• Avoid direct ownership and operation of restricted equipment
  

• Reduce administrative and audit exposure related to federal funding compliance
  

• Protect future eligibility for federal grants
  

• Centralize operational and compliance responsibility outside the agency

Rather than navigating complex and evolving compliance requirements internally, agencies may rely on AFRS.US to deliver professional services while maintaining appropriate regulatory, operational, and funding separation.

Availability Beyond Ohio

Although AFRS.US is headquartered in Ohio, many state legal frameworks permit AFRS.US to operate in other states by way of non-profit chapters, provide services through intergovernmental agreements, or contracts, or establish regional chapters where permitted by law.

Agencies interested in exploring a shared services approach or discussing availability within their jurisdiction are encouraged to contact AFRS.US for an initial consultation.

Agency Inquiries:

Email: gov@afrs.us

Website: https://afrs.us

Examples of AFRS.US public safety and emergency response work are available at:

https://afrs.us/blog ==== Legal and Regulatory Disclaimers

AFRS.US services are provided subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procurement requirements. Availability of services outside Ohio may vary by jurisdiction and may require contractual agreements, intergovernmental cooperation, or the establishment of a state-specific organizational presence.

Nothing in this release constitutes legal advice, a determination of compliance for any specific agency, or a guarantee of funding eligibility. State and local agencies should consult their legal counsel, procurement officials, and grant administrators to assess applicability to their specific circumstances. ==== AFRS.US is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 9.43. AFRS.US provides emergency robotic response services and seeks to operate in compliance with applicable standards, including NFPA 2400, to the extent relevant.