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Committee clears bill barring state and local purchases of drones from Chinese-owned companies
Summary
Senate Bill 64, sponsored by Senator Dixon, would prohibit state and local governments from purchasing unmanned aircraft from companies identified as foreign adversaries; the committee endorsed the measure after bipartisan discussion and questions about federal determinations and drafting language.
The Senate Public Safety Committee voted to give Senate Bill 64 a do-pass recommendation after hearing from the bill’s sponsor, local government trade groups and fellow senators about national-security and procurement concerns.
Senator Harold Dixon told the committee SB 64 would "prohibit the state and local governments from purchasing an unmanned aircraft drones, from Chinese owned companies, and prohibits companies owned by foreign adversaries from submitting bids or proposals for contracts either directly or through a third party," citing concerns raised in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act and recent federal reviews of major drone vendors.
Committee members pressed Dixon on timing and drafting. Senator Jackson asked why the state is not waiting for the federal government’s yearlong determination required by the 2024 NDAA; Dixon replied the committee should move to protect Georgia’s security now and pointed to documented incidents of foreign cyber intrusions and software changes at some drone firms.
Vice Chairman Robertson asked about how the bill defines a "foreign adversary." Dixon said the bill relies on federal designations; attendees suggested cross-referencing an existing federal list or statute so the state would not need to amend code whenever federal designations change.
Several senators described national-security briefings they had attended and said they were persuaded of the risk; one senator moved a do-pass recommendation for LC 550433 for SB 64. Committee leadership recorded one opposed vote during the voice/hand count and advanced the bill to the Rules Committee.
Supporters said American or Georgia-based manufacturers are available to meet procurement needs; opponents cautioned about the legislature setting procurement rules that could disrupt local negotiations between cities and counties. The bill proceeds to the Rules Committee with bipartisan backing and at least one recorded dissent in committee testimony.
