WV HB3299

Prohibits West Virginia public entities from purchasing or acquiring small unmanned aircraft systems (drones under 55 pounds) manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities, including those domiciled in or controlled by China or Russia

Bans the use of state funds for foreign-manufactured drones through contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other means

Requires public entities to stop operating foreign-manufactured drones by May 1, 2028

Creates a drone replacement grant program within the Department of Homeland Security to provide funds for public safety agencies to replace non-compliant drones with approved systems, with grants based on current purchase value and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis

Allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive restrictions for exigent circumstances, counter-drone operations, or criminal investigations with notification to the Legislature