AR HB1653

Prohibits Arkansas public entities from purchasing small unmanned aircraft systems (weighing less than 55 pounds) manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities, including those from China or Russia, on the federal Consolidated Screening List or Entity List, or their subsidiaries and affiliates.

Bans state funding for purchases of these aircraft systems through contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other state funds, effective immediately upon enactment.

Prohibits public entities from operating small unmanned aircraft systems from covered foreign entities on or after May 1, 2027, and restricts state funding for their operation after that date.

Allows the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services to waive purchase and operation restrictions for exigent circumstances, Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or criminal investigative purposes, with notification required to the General Assembly.

Defines "public entity" as the State of Arkansas and its political subdivisions, including boards, authorities, commissions, agencies, and university departments.