Bill > HB1444

This bill prohibits state agencies and local governments from purchasing or acquiring certain unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, starting January 1, 2028. For state agencies, this means they can only acquire drones that have been cleared according to specific requirements outlined in the bill, and any contracts for prohibited drones will be void. For local governments, including counties and towns, the restriction applies to drones that do not meet the security requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 or that are listed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as posing a national security risk; contracts for such drones will also be unenforceable. The bill defines "unmanned aircraft system" or "drone" consistent with the existing definition of "aircraft" in state law.