Bill > HB1611

This bill prohibits state and local agencies, including law enforcement, from purchasing or operating small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) manufactured or assembled by certain "covered foreign entities", specifically targeting entities from China and Russia. A "covered foreign entity" is defined as any individual, organization, or government that is listed on U.S. Department of Commerce screening lists, is domiciled in China or Russia, is under the control of those governments, or is a subsidiary of such entities. The bill defines a "small unmanned aircraft system" as an unmanned, powered aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds that operates without direct human intervention. The legislation prohibits using state or local agency funds for such drones, including through contracts, grants, or other funding sources, and mandates that public entities cease operating these specific drones by July 1, 2026. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving agencies time to transition away from drones manufactured by the specified foreign entities, likely as a national security precaution to prevent potential surveillance or technological espionage.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1611&Year=2025&Initiative=false