HB 5552
To require drones used by state and county personnel to be produced in the United States
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires West Virginia state and county government agencies to purchase small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) only from U.S.-based manufacturers. It defines ‘Covered Foreign Entity’ based on U.S. government lists and prohibits the use of state funds for drones produced by these entities. The bill also establishes a grant program to help agencies replace existing drones that don’t meet these requirements.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘Covered Foreign Entity’ based on U.S. government designations.
- Prohibits public entities from purchasing small unmanned aircraft systems from Covered Foreign Entities.
- Restricts the use of state funds for drones manufactured by Covered Foreign Entities.
- Establishes a drone replacement grant program for impacted public safety agencies.
- Requires replacement drones to meet specific certification standards (DIU Blue sUAS or AUVSI Green UAS).
- Allows for waivers under specific circumstances, such as exigent situations or criminal investigations.
- Creates a timeline for the establishment of the drone replacement grant program.
Who is affected
- West Virginia State Government Agencies
- West Virginia County Government Agencies
- Public Safety Agencies
- Department of Homeland Security
- Entities on the Consolidated Screening List (CSL)
Notable changes
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