Bill > HB751

This bill establishes the "Foreign Unmanned Aircraft Law" which prohibits Missouri public entities from purchasing, acquiring, or operating small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) manufactured or assembled by certain foreign entities, specifically those associated with China or Russia. The law defines "covered foreign entities" as individuals or organizations that are on U.S. government screening lists, domiciled in China or Russia, under the influence of those governments, or affiliated with such entities. The bill specifies that no state funds can be used to acquire drones from these covered foreign entities, with a full operational ban taking effect on May 1, 2027. However, the director of the department of public safety may waive these restrictions in extraordinary circumstances, such as for counter-drone operations or criminal investigations, but must notify the general assembly of any such waiver. A "small unmanned aircraft system" is defined as an unmanned, powered aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds that can operate without direct human intervention and may be expendable or recoverable. The intent of the bill appears to be protecting state infrastructure and resources from potential foreign surveillance or technological risks.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB751&year=2025&code=R