HB 1032 Summary

• Prohibits government entities in Mississippi from purchasing or operating unmanned aircraft systems (drones) manufactured or assembled by "covered foreign entities," effective July 1, 2023

• Defines "covered foreign entities" as manufacturers not based in the U.S. or its five territories/commonwealths, including entities on the Federal Acquisition Security Council list, those subject to foreign government direction, and entities domiciled in or controlled by China

• Exempts the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security and Mississippi National Guard from restrictions when conducting research, testing, electronic warfare, counterterrorism, criminal investigations, or national security activities

• Requires all covered unmanned aircraft systems purchased after July 1, 2023 to be manufactured in the U.S., with preference given to Mississippi-based manufacturers when prices are equal, and mandates collision detection/avoidance software capabilities

• Requires all state agencies, counties, and municipalities to account for existing inventories of foreign-made drones in their property systems and exempts one federally-designated research institution from compliance requirements