summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act. Provides that a government agency may use a drone only if the manufacturer of the drone meets the minimum security requirements specified in the Act. Prohibits a government agency from purchasing, acquiring, or otherwise using a drone or any related services or equipment produced by (i) a manufacturer domiciled in a country of concern or (ii) a manufacturer the government agency reasonably believes to be owned or controlled, in whole or in part, by a country of concern or by a company domiciled in a country of concern. Classifies 3 different tiers of drones, and specifies restrictions for each tier level. Requires, subject to appropriation, a government agency using a drone on January 1, 2026 that does not meet the minimum requirements for that drone's usage tier to receive a reimbursement from the Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Reimbursement Fund up to the cost of acquiring a drone that meets the minimum requirements for that drone's usage tier if specified requirements are met. Requires the Department of Transportation to identify the geographic coordinates of sensitive installations within Illinois for the purpose of prohibiting drone usage over sensitive locations. Requires a provider of flight-mapping software or other program for operating a drone to geofence Illinois' sensitive locations to prevent the flight of a drone over Illinois' sensitive locations. Provides that it is a Class A misdemeanor for (i) a provider of flight-mapping software to allow a user to fly a drone over a sensitive location unless the user is a law enforcement agency or officer; or (ii) a user of a drone not using flight-mapping software to fly a drone over a sensitive location without permission from the governmental agency in charge of the sensitive location. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Contains a severability clause. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Reimbursement Fund. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act, establishes new regulations for the use of drones by government agencies in Illinois, aiming to protect critical infrastructure and data security. It prohibits government agencies from acquiring or using drones, or related services and equipment, from manufacturers domiciled in or controlled by "countries of concern" (defined as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, or Syria, or any other country designated by the Governor). The Act categorizes drones into three tiers based on their data collection and transmission capabilities, with increasing security restrictions for higher tiers, although drones used for specific research purposes may be exempt under certain conditions. It also mandates that flight-mapping software providers geofence (create virtual boundaries around) "sensitive locations" within Illinois, such as military installations and power stations, to prevent unauthorized drone flights over these areas, with violations by software providers or drone users resulting in a Class A misdemeanor, except for law enforcement. To assist agencies in transitioning to compliant drones, a reimbursement fund will be established to cover costs for drones purchased by January 1, 2026, that do not meet the new requirements, subject to appropriation. The bill also limits the ability of local governments (home rule units) to enact their own drone regulations that conflict with this Act and will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/06/2026)
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