ND HB1038

Appropriates $11,000,000 in one-time funding from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund to the Department of Commerce for a state radar data pathfinder program, effective upon passage through June 30, 2027

Requires collaboration with the state's uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) test site to integrate federal radar data with state drone operations and the beyond visual line of sight program

Directs funding toward developing security protocols meeting FAA radar data requirements, enhancing UAS and radar infrastructure, and providing state agency training on secure radar data use

Mandates a status report to legislative management and the governor by June 30, 2026, covering program progress, federal integration, expenditures, and impacts on drone operations and safety

Passed with strong bipartisan support: House 84-3, Senate 40-4; declared an emergency measure for immediate effect