Police get federal funding for high-speed chase technology
H.R. 8217 — Next Gen Road Safety Act · Filed by Laura Friedman (D-CA) · 3 cosponsors · Introduced Apr 9, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill expands the federal COPS grant program to allow law enforcement agencies to use grant money to buy equipment designed to stop or slow down high-speed car chases—including vehicle-disabling systems, police bumper systems, and drones. The goal is to give police tools to end pursuits safely without dangerous chases.
Why we flagged it
The bill is a straightforward amendment to the COPS grant statute that adds a new permitted use category. It does exactly what its title says: authorizes equipment purchases for pursuit de-escalation.
What the text implies
- Drones authorized for pursuit de-escalation may establish precedent for broader drone surveillance authority in law enforcement, potentially expanding use beyond the stated pursuit-safety context.
- Vehicle-disabling systems and police bumper systems may cause unintended harm if deployed in populated areas or against vehicles carrying vulnerable passengers; bill does not specify safety protocols or liability limits.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
manufacturers of vehicle-disabling systems; drone manufacturers and suppliers; police equipment and technology vendors