AN ACT Relating to prohibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity;
Summary
HB 1611 would prohibit Washington state and local agencies, including law enforcement agencies, from purchasing or otherwise acquiring small unmanned aircraft systems that are manufactured or assembled by a “covered foreign entity.” It would also bar the use of state or local funds in connection with those drones, including funds provided through contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other means.
The bill further prohibits public entities from operating such drones on or after July 1, 2025. It defines a covered foreign entity to include certain individuals, governments, parties, subsidiaries, or affiliates tied to the People’s Republic of China or the Russian Federation, including entities on federal screening or entity lists. It also defines “small unmanned aircraft system” as an unmanned powered aircraft that can be operated without direct human intervention and weighs less than 55 pounds, including payload or attachments. The act takes effect January 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill would add a new section to Washington law restricting public procurement and use of certain drones by state and local governments. It would affect agencies that buy, lease, receive, or operate small unmanned aircraft systems, especially law enforcement and other public entities that rely on drone technology for surveillance, inspection, emergency response, or public safety operations. The measure does not regulate private ownership or private commercial use directly, but it would limit public spending and public deployment of drones linked to covered foreign entities.
Sentiment
Based on the bill caption and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be framed as a national-security and supply-chain restriction rather than a controversial operational change. The overall sentiment suggested by the text is precautionary and protective, aiming to reduce government reliance on foreign-made drone systems associated with China or Russia. No formal vote history or hearing record is provided here to show support or opposition.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the scope of the ban and the definition of “covered foreign entity,” which reaches beyond direct ownership to entities influenced or controlled by the governments of China or Russia and their subsidiaries or affiliates. Another likely issue is the practical impact on public agencies that may already use or plan to use low-cost drone systems for policing, emergency response, or infrastructure inspection, since the bill would require them to avoid purchasing, funding, or operating affected systems. Concerns may also arise over implementation, including how agencies verify manufacturer or assembler status and whether compliant alternatives are available.
An Act Prohibiting The Purchase And Use Of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems That Are Manufactured Or Assembled By Foreign Entities That Pose A Security Risk.
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