LIDAR TECHNOLOGY SECURITY
SB2363 creates the Light Detection and Ranging Technology Security Act, a new Illinois law aimed at restricting the use of LIDAR equipment tied to companies domiciled in designated “countries of concern.” The bill defines LIDAR broadly and applies the restrictions to state critical infrastructure, state transportation infrastructure, and autonomous vehicle-related approvals. It would require new state infrastructure to be built without prohibited LIDAR equipment and would require existing covered infrastructure containing prohibited equipment to be removed and replaced within 90 days after the act takes effect.
The bill also bars state and local procurement of prohibited LIDAR equipment and allows agencies, private entities, or political subdivisions responsible for affected infrastructure to seek reimbursement from the State Comptroller for the original purchase price of the prohibited equipment, if they submit purchase orders within 90 days after the effective date. The act would become fully enforceable 90 days after enactment and includes a severability clause. It defines “country of concern” to include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela under Nicolas Maduro, Syria, and any other entity designated by the Governor in consultation with IEMA-OHS.
If enacted, SB2363 would add a new statutory framework governing procurement and use of LIDAR technology in Illinois, affecting state agencies, political subdivisions, private entities responsible for covered infrastructure, and operators or regulators of autonomous vehicles. It would prohibit specified foreign-sourced LIDAR in a wide range of infrastructure systems, including transportation, utilities, telecommunications, emergency services, and data storage systems, and would require replacement of existing prohibited equipment on an accelerated timeline. The bill would also create a reimbursement mechanism through the State Comptroller for certain replacement costs, shifting some financial burden to the state.
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available context suggests the measure is framed as a security and supply-chain protection bill rather than a technical procurement adjustment. Its stated purpose emphasizes national security, critical infrastructure protection, and use of equipment from America and friendly nations. Because there is no transcript or voting history provided, there is no documented legislative sentiment beyond the sponsor’s policy rationale and the bill’s strong restrictive posture toward foreign-made technology.
The main points of contention likely concern the breadth of the ban, the definition of “country of concern,” and the practical costs of replacing existing equipment on a 90-day schedule. The bill reaches not only state agencies but also political subdivisions and private entities responsible for covered infrastructure, which could raise implementation and reimbursement questions. Another likely issue is the inclusion of autonomous vehicle approvals and registrations, which could affect manufacturers, regulators, and technology providers that rely on LIDAR components from global supply chains.