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NH committee hears security and cost concerns on drone procurement bill
Summary
Lawmakers and public safety officials debated HB 14‑44, which would require state and local governments to buy only ‘approved’ drones after Jan. 1, 2028. Sponsors cited national‑security risks from foreign components; police and DOT warned of large replacement costs and staffing burdens to compile an approved list.
Representative Mike Moffett introduced HB 14‑44, saying government purchases should avoid drones that may transmit data to unauthorized entities and that New Hampshire should use an approved list for government purchases beginning Jan. 1, 2028. "Drones are ubiquitous over the air — they're everywhere," Moffett said, and he framed the bill as a security response to foreign‑made UAS and components.
The measure directs the Department of Safety, in consultation with administration and cybersecurity experts, to compile a list of approved unmanned aircraft systems that federal authorities deem safe or that the state determines do not transmit data to unauthorized entities. It would bar use of state funds to purchase nonapproved drones after 2028 and aims to allow existing fleets to remain in service in the near term.
Tom Rawlings of the nonprofit State Shield testified for the bill, urging use of federal clearance lists and state action to reduce reliance on subsidized foreign manufacturers; he said the federal government’s recent actions and executive guidance should be part of the state’s approach.
Lieutenant Chris Storm of the New Hampshire State Police described operational reliance on UAS for crash reconstruction, search and mapping. "The state police has about 45 UASs," Storm told the committee, and said replacing and upgrading that capability to federally cleared models could cost roughly $500,000–$1,000,000. He also said his department lacks staff capacity to compile the technical list called for by the bill and would prefer following federal lists where feasible.
Trisha Lambert, administrator for the Bureau of Aeronautics at the Department of Transportation, said DOT uses a range of platforms — from small to large lidar‑capable aircraft — and that roughly half of DOT platforms are currently Chinese‑made. She said federally accepted models are often required for federal highway projects and noted higher replacement costs.
Committee members repeatedly asked whether federal agencies (FAA, FCC) and other states’ lists could be referenced to avoid duplicative work. Moffett and witnesses said federal lists exist but are limited by cost and evolving technology. Lawmakers signaled the bill needs detailed study on the fiscal note and implementation and indicated the measure would likely go to subcommittee.
The committee closed public testimony and asked staff to pursue further technical and fiscal review before taking action.
