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Committee reviews bill to expand grants for uncrewed and autonomous systems across five state agencies
Summary
House Bill 12‑49 would appropriate $3.75 million from the general fund across five agencies to support uncrewed aircraft systems (drones) and related autonomous technologies; sponsors cited earlier HB 15‑19 successes and proposed a partial local match requirement; committee discussed outcomes and reporting but did not take a final vote
The Appropriations Committee heard an overview of House Bill 12‑49, a measure that would build on last session’s HB 15‑19 to expand grant support for uncrewed aircraft systems and other autonomous technologies across multiple state agencies.
Representative Jonathan Morey (District 22), presenting the bill, said it would appropriate $750,000 each to five agencies — the Agriculture Commissioner’s office, the Department of Career and Technical Education (TrainND), the Department of Health and Human Services, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) within the Attorney General’s office, and the Department of Emergency Services — for a total appropriation of $3,750,000 from the general fund. The committee amended language to move one originally designated DOT appropriation to Emergency Services and removed funding for a proposed “drone racing park.”
Supporters pointed to the earlier program (HB 15‑19) for examples of success: TrainND’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight program and an Ag‑Commissioner pilot that drew private industry and research partners to fight invasive species. Representative Morey said the controlling agencies may require a $1 for every $4 matching contribution from contracted parties.
Issues raised: Committee members asked for evidence of past successes in each recipient agency and whether the prior appropriations produced measurable outcomes. Members also raised liability, data ownership and operational questions when the state purchases or uses autonomous vehicles. Committee members asked whether the appropriation would duplicate existing vehicles, capabilities already held by BCI, or displace prior investments.
Action and next steps: The measure was described as a continuation and expansion of previous work; committee members did not record a final vote during the discussion. The sponsor said departments would provide reports under the bill’s reporting language to legislative management. Members requested more detail about prior program results, where matched funds came from, and the scope of purchases and data ownership; those questions were left for follow‑up with agencies and sponsor.
