House approves $26 million package to replace state drones, funds FAA radar access

The North Dakota House on Tuesday approved House Bill 1038, a measure that authorizes $15 million to replace state-owned drones and $11 million to build cybersecurity and infrastructure connections allowing a state UAS test site to access FAA radar data. The bill passed 89-4 and includes an emergency clause, making key funding available immediately.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Nathie, told the chamber the measure responds to concerns about a large share of the state’s fleet being manufactured by DJI, a company based in China. “Out of 353 [drones], 307 are these DJIs, Chinese drones,” Representative Nathie said, and added that vendors and retired special-forces personnel told him the aircraft can include “collection devices… transmitting devices.” The bill directs the state's designated UAS test site to administer replacement, training and disposal for the state inventory.

Why it matters: supporters said replacing the fleet would remove platforms they view as incompatible with federal security requirements and would allow North Dakota to market its VANTAS system nationally if the state can integrate FAA radar feeds. Representative Nathie told colleagues the funding would also prepare the state to deploy VANTAS more broadly and to meet FAA cybersecurity standards.

Key provisions: section 1 of the bill establishes a $15,000,000 UAS replacement program run by the federally recognized North Dakota test site; the test site will choose replacement platforms (American-made or from allied vendors), provide training, inventory devices, examine retired units for embedded hardware, and manage disposal or transfer. Section 2 appropriates $11,000,000 to build the cybersecurity and infrastructure needed to accept FAA radar data, which supporters said would permit expanded use of the VANTAS tracking system and create licensing or royalty opportunities.

Committee reporting: The appropriations committee recommended a “do pass” and reported a favorable committee vote. Representative Iguacau, chair of the appropriations committee, recorded the recommendation and vote in committee prior to floor action.

Questions and limits: Representative Christie asked whether the $15 million may be used for software patches; Representative Nathie replied the test site would decide and “part of that $15,000,000 can be used for any of that.” Representative Fralick asked whether counties with drone teams could be covered; Representative Nathie said the bill covers only the state inventory and that counties would need to pursue separate assistance.

Vote and disposition: The clerk recorded a final roll-call vote of 89 yeas and 4 nays; the bill was declared passed and the emergency clause carried, making the appropriations effective immediately.

Ending: With passage, the bill directs the test site to inventory and replace state UAS assets, stand up the FAA data interface infrastructure, and report back as required by the statute. The transcript did not record implementation dates beyond the emergency clause; agencies will publish schedules and reports according to the bill’s reporting requirements.