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WV HB5552
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Laura Kimble
Click for details
AI Summary
- 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 cease operating non-compliant foreign-manufactured drones by May 1, 2029
- Establishes a drone replacement grant program within the Department of Homeland Security to provide funds to public safety agencies for purchasing compliant systems and training
- Allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive restrictions for exigent circumstances, counter-drone operations, or criminal investigations with notification to the Legislature
Legislative Description
To require drones used by state and county personnel to be produced in the United States
Counties
Last Action
To House Judiciary
2/16/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/16/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available