HB 1200 Summary

• Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) program by June 30, 2025, compliant with federal and state laws to support conservation and resources enforcement.

• Authorizes conservation and resources enforcement officers to use unmanned aircraft systems to monitor, investigate, and obtain evidence of natural and cultural resource violations.

• Prohibits the department from purchasing or using unmanned aircraft systems manufactured by covered foreign entities (including those from China, Russia, on federal screening lists, or DJI) unless the board chairperson grants a case-by-case waiver for counter-UAS activities, criminal investigations, or exigent circumstances.

• Requires the department to maintain detailed records and submit annual reports to the legislature beginning January 1, 2026, including logs of UAS use, investigations aided, incidents, and program costs.

• Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 for the UAS program.