The proposed bill aims to prohibit public entities in Arkansas from purchasing or operating small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) that are manufactured or assembled by a "covered foreign entity." A "covered foreign entity" is defined as individuals, foreign governments, or parties that are either on the U.S. Secretary of Commerce's Consolidated Screening List or Entity List, domiciled in China or Russia, under the influence of these governments, or affiliated with such entities. The bill specifies that state funds cannot be used for these purchases unless a waiver is granted under certain circumstances.

Additionally, the bill establishes that starting May 1, 2027, public entities will also be prohibited from operating these unmanned aircraft systems. The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services has the authority to waive these restrictions in cases of exigent circumstances, counter unmanned aircraft systems, or criminal investigations, provided that the General Assembly is notified. This legislation reflects a growing concern over national security and the influence of foreign entities in critical technology sectors.