[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6363091,"mediaKeyId","2166732-fdf695737fe7e424916322b5430e5c24","parentId",2166732,"title","Committee hears plan to replace Chinese‑made state drones, fund FAA radar data pathfinder for VANTAS","audioSeconds",840,"startMs",2880000,"endMs",3720000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166732-fdf695737fe7e424916322b5430e5c24&start=2880&end=3720","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166732-fdf695737fe7e424916322b5430e5c24/thumbnail_2880000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6363091/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-plan-to-replace-Chinesemade-state-drones-fund-FAA-radar-data-pathfinder-for-VANTAS","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363091-9b077c7f28d8d99e29dded505de08ec1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776324881&Signature=GCA9qGJR68e-XoNgQ3RQZANBx90F4gbq9DOhSlg3Ijw8ww42nvLU5hB052yOUb7wBYZIFJqr5aCOq5QhwlY8GvejvdMIpAw5OW6-F6WHD2SzeVb8~ll-vSrCFFq8dXbq~EvN3FMjLT1-Uiee0vrjw3LOoq4vdfIWVRhyZL17YG6FimznWu7DrW5qhQyvJ5ZH10GCbdFkSbWadeMHcKwZyixm1GXc8z-3xCFkZzN01switPZjOuu06thDb~E7YvuIvPj7qtOqa9KLmYMXLuYbSDqHQfQUZ7kPTrUEIQlcXLBPD~GKuKhdUQQooA9SyXPR2IE6edd7MIEYn1LMPq6n6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate Industry and Business, ND","date","2025-01-29T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Mike Nathie introduced House Bill 1038 in the Senate Committee on Industry and Business, seeking state funds to replace Chinese‑manufactured drones in state agency fleets and to fund a one‑year FAA radar data “pathfinder” to integrate federal radar into North Dakota’s VANTAS unmanned‑aircraft infrastructure.

Why it matters: Supporters said the bill addresses a national‑security concern — that many state drones are made by a single Chinese manufacturer (DJI) and may contain components or remote links that federal agencies have flagged as risks. The second portion of the bill is time‑sensitive, supporters said, because the FAA has invited North Dakota to test a federal radar data enclave that could expand VANTAS coverage statewide and set a replicable national model for integrating drones into the National Airspace System.

Key provisions and costs
Representative Nathie described two primary sections: a replacement grant and support program for state agencies to replace Chinese‑manufactured drones, and an $11,000,000 appropriation to pay for an FAA radar data pathfinder to bring federal radar data into the VANTAS system. Representative Nathie told the committee the replacement portion includes $15,000,000 for replacement, training and disposal; a reporting requirement and inventory of existing drones; and administration by the Northern Plains UAS test site, which the bill would use as a subject‑matter expert and administrator. The bill’s language also encourages agencies to consolidate drones for shared use where feasible.

Testimony and technical context
Frank Mattis of Thales USA described the VANTAS program as “the first of its kind program anywhere in the world,” saying the state has used VANTAS to build infrastructure enabling beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight flight and operations across broad regions of North Dakota. Mattis said access to FAA radar data would expand VANTAS coverage from about 3,000 square miles today to approximately 56,000 square miles, and that the $11,000,000 pathfinder is intended to fund one year of testing and security upgrades to host national‑security radar data.

Trevor Woods, executive director of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, and Deputy Executive Director Erin Raesler described the test site’s role as program administrator and said the test site already uses a rigorous onboarding process for aircraft that fly on the network. They told the committee the test site would vet operators and coordinate procurement, training and disposal; Raesler said the pathfinder would require federal‑level security controls and background checks for personnel who touch the radar data.

Several state and industry witnesses emphasized the inventory and timing details. Representative Nathie said the state inventory lists 353 drones, of which 307 are manufactured by DJI. Committee members asked whether software patches or other mitigations could reduce risk; witnesses said software fixes are imperfect, that components may be embedded in hardware and that replacing non‑NDAA‑compliant models is the more reliable long‑term solution.

Opposition and concerns
A DJI representative appeared in opposition and argued the company’s products dominate the market because they are inexpensive and user friendly. The representative urged caution about mandating replacement without consideration of civilian uses and small users; DJI said many civilian users and institutions of higher education could be adversely affected if replacements are required broadly.

Committee discussion and timing
Witnesses and the Governor’s office emphasized urgency for the pathfinder portion, saying FAA timing makes the one‑year appropriation time sensitive; supporters asked that the bill not be delayed by substantive amendments to section 1, and committee members discussed splitting the bill so the pathfinder funding could move forward without final action on the drone‑replacement details.

Outcome and next steps
The committee took testimony from multiple agencies, vendors and industry stakeholders and did not record a formal committee vote on HB1038 at the hearing. Members suggested further follow‑up and staff work; supporters asked the committee to advance the pathfinder appropriation quickly to meet FAA timelines.

Ending: The hearing closed with committee members scheduling follow‑up discussions on the bill’s two sections and how to address timing and amendment concerns.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Industry and Business II Jan 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 1038 would fund a state program to replace Chinese‑manufactured drones in state agency fleets and provide $11 million for a one‑year FAA radar‑data pathfinder to expand the VANTAS unmanned‑aircraft network.","taxTitle","Industry and Business, Senate, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28906,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363097,"Committee hears bill to merge North Dakota Securities Department into Insurance Department",392,720000,1112000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166732-fdf695737fe7e424916322b5430e5c24&start=720&end=1112","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166732-fdf695737fe7e424916322b5430e5c24/thumbnail_720000.jpg","/articles/6363097/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-bill-to-merge-North-Dakota-Securities-Department-into-Insurance-Department","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363097-f3dd12e699669e2e615ba92d8b9d4722/orig.mp4?Expires=1776324881&Signature=JhjDqJgLHZPvi4afBrmQc70o3PRaBpebp3y2SUE2MQMgI9jmkgbieC7D4fLW3QQSP7b3kE5TtRSoiXlHBWNPa7SlNVCQddM96xJqjjRZrdu7Dk6ecmzxgpLUG47oxNmtTsO4jyqoWVFPF-bFZHC0sTpIXtIToQGd8xKX4JeFVcDkaKGFnvNmYvfL6i1UYx~IxwBGLQtvbS1Cp5u3YUpTnaIXOEWQ-GDxurzqPNuw3ToOVXN~6Q1Y9x4IBjOqLs9eUba6NgZYAiOxW6tXcxWUeMVoLeIXx5NLXHDHq-7zzsWNITztel2ntw68L93jxHpwxSlSx9dz3KIhAm-2FkAHcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 2214, which would merge the North Dakota Securities Department into the North Dakota Insurance Department, received testimony at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Industry and Business.

The bill, introduced for hearing by Senator Dale Patton, would consolidate oversight of insurance and securities under the elected insurance commissioner and include an appropriation. Supporters told the committee the change is meant to reduce duplication where insurance and securities intersect — for example, in annuities and private placements — and to give the smaller securities office access to the Insurance Department’s legal, administrative and public-information resources.

Why it matters: Backers argued the merger would strengthen consumer protection and regulatory responsiveness when products cross the line between insurance and securities. North Dakota’s securities office currently has about 10 staffers, while the Insurance Department has about 47, supporters said; consolidation would, they said, allow investigators, examiners and licensing personnel to be deployed across overlapping investigations.

Testimony and questions
Mr. Knapp (testimony recorded in committee minutes) told the panel the consolidation would “enhance consumer protection, streamline operations, and increase responsiveness to evolving market dynamics” and cited South Dakota’s 2017 merger as a model. The committee was also told Governor Doug Burgum and Governor-elect Armstrong (testimony noted support from the Governor’s office) back the change.

Tim Carskey, the North Dakota Securities Commissioner, said he supported the bill and highlighted plans to expand education on securities fraud, focusing on vulnerable adults and the elderly. Carskey also said he would rely on the Insurance Department’s existing legal staff and administrative infrastructure rather than expecting immediate cost savings. He described the securities office as “under resourced” and said the merger would provide access to the Insurance Department’s resources rather than primarily being a cost‑cutting move.

Insurance Commissioner Ross (recorded as Commissioner Godfried in the hearing) said the department already has a fraud division and peace officers who could assist with securities investigations under the consolidated structure. He and other supporters noted that shared consumer‑education programs, coordinated investigations and cross‑training were cited as benefits in South Dakota’s experience.

Questions from senators focused on whether the consolidation would generate measurable savings and on potential impacts to agency independence and confirmation procedures for the securities commissioner. Officials told the committee they did not expect near‑term staffing reductions and that some administrative confirmation processes would change with the securities office no longer being a separate cabinet appointment if the merger proceeds.

Outcome and next steps
The hearing record shows testimony in support from agency leaders and the Governor’s office and no recorded public opposition during the session. Committee members asked follow-up questions but did not vote on the bill during the hearing.

The bill remains under committee consideration; committee leaders did not record a formal vote at the hearing.

Ending: The bill’s supporters asked the committee to give the measure “a due pass.” Committee members indicated they would consider the testimony and follow up as needed.","The Senate Industry and Business Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 2214, which would fold the North Dakota Securities Department into the elected Insurance Department. Supporters said the merger would streamline licensing, investigations and consumer education; opponents were not recorded. No formal action was taken at the hearing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363086,"Industry and Business Committee advances SB 2261 as amended; recommends do‑not‑pass on SB 2066",0,9271000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166732-fdf695737fe7e424916322b5430e5c24&start=9271&end=9271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166732-fdf695737fe7e424916322b5430e5c24/thumbnail_9271000.jpg","/articles/6363086/North-Dakota/Industry-and-Business-Committee-advances-SB-2261-as-amended-recommends-donotpass-on-SB-2066","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363086-b431c16cb1d0d151fb7030c7480bad29/orig.mp4?Expires=1776324881&Signature=Um7tw~V1whThXWi86DDmnwZrk0Ff1347wlGVljcJ47FTbBsG9ApQClB0h~UXeg7oOo7gZrHgjVzgJqxsrb~ROoYMZRlOea6~ifl3Sc84gOov-nwiYgW7y~xQIceI2J8owvquWMnayRnVRlU-ClqaMPzuUUNZw~KnivOfNaCslc6t0YM2iG3p-EGEYS7X~iGn2HPcnC-vsek7Msjx-Xva33rkKHEQPXyOgu5IR59Ah5SKN2W5gr4Y7zsfVZ2xLgyQWAvuHZwK~GBtvBWLxxkvPs4Ct~L5vhxeGaOgsA2sS92ewtPP6fUnkhT1AYzQeKjwZzl5wi~L~TlAgoRIvxkzxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Industry and Business recorded committee recommendations on two companion measures during the session.

Senate Bill 2261 (amended)
The committee moved to recommend a due‑pass on Senate Bill 2261 as amended. Senator Klein moved the due‑pass recommendation; Senator Castle seconded. Roll call votes recorded Senator Klein (aye), Senator Kessel (aye), Chairman Barta (aye), Vice Chairman Behm (aye) and Senator Engate (aye). The committee’s record shows a unanimous 5‑0 recommendation to pass SB 2261 as amended.

Senate Bill 2066 (companion bill)
Committee members subsequently voted 5‑0 to recommend “do not pass” on Senate Bill 2066. Committee discussion indicated the sponsors and members believed SB 2261 (the amended measure) addressed the intended policy and operational goals and that SB 2066 was therefore unnecessary in its present form. Senator Klein moved the do‑not‑pass motion; the roll call recorded five ayes and no nays.

Why it matters
Committee leaders said the amended SB 2261 preserves Roughrider and prison‑industry workforce development intent while consolidating provisions that made SB 2066 redundant. Committee members named Roughrider program stakeholders as beneficiaries and said further coordination would continue as the legislation moves forward.

Outcome and next steps
With the committee’s recommendations recorded on the floor, SB 2261 (as amended) will proceed with the committee’s due‑pass recommendation; SB 2066 is recommended do‑not‑pass. Committee members identified carriers and said they would work to coordinate next steps and any needed conference actions.

Ending: Committee adjourned after taking the two votes.","The Senate Industry and Business Committee voted 5‑0 to recommend a due‑pass on amended Senate Bill 2261 and subsequently recorded a 5‑0 do‑not‑pass recommendation on Senate Bill 2066. The bills concern prison industries and Roughrider workforce programs; committee discussion referenced alignment and duplication between the measures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears plan to replace Chinese‑made state drones, fund FAA radar data pathfinder for VANTAS

Committee hears bill to merge North Dakota Securities Department into Insurance Department

Industry and Business Committee advances SB 2261 as amended; recommends do‑not‑pass on SB 2066