Bill > HB5552

This bill, titled "The Act to Prohibit the Purchase of Small Unmanned Aircrafts Manufactured or Assembled by a Covered Foreign Entity," aims to prevent state and local government entities in West Virginia, referred to as "public entities," from acquiring or using drones manufactured or assembled by "covered foreign entities." A covered foreign entity is broadly defined to include entities on U.S. government watchlists like the Consolidated Screening List (CSL) or Entity List, those based in China or Russia, or those influenced or controlled by those governments. A "small unmanned aircraft system" is defined as a drone weighing less than 55 pounds that operates without direct human intervention. The bill prohibits the use of state funds for such drones and, starting May 1, 2029, bans their operation by public entities, though the Secretary of Homeland Security can waive these restrictions in specific circumstances like exigent circumstances or for counter-drone operations. To assist agencies impacted by these new rules, the bill establishes a drone replacement grant program, subject to funding, to help public safety agencies purchase compliant drones and receive necessary training, with grants awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for drones that meet specific certifications like the DIU's Blue sUAS or AUVSI's Green UAS.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5552&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill