Senate Bill 1500 introduces restrictions on the use of drones, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) equipment, and autonomous vehicles that are produced by or associated with companies from countries of concern, which include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Venezuela. The bill prohibits the use of such equipment in new state infrastructure projects, state procurements, and in the certification or regulatory approval of autonomous vehicles in Arizona. Existing state infrastructure must replace any such equipment within 90 days. The bill allows for limited use of prohibited drones for research and accountability, with strict data security measures and notification requirements. It also mandates geofencing to prevent drones from flying over sensitive locations, with violations resulting in a class 1 misdemeanor.

The bill amends Arizona law by adding sections that define terms related to the legislation and set forth the conditions under which agencies can use drones and LiDAR equipment from countries of concern. It outlines the requirements for data transfer, storage, and geofencing, and specifies the penalties for unauthorized drone usage over sensitive areas. The bill aims to protect state infrastructure from potential security risks associated with equipment from the listed countries of concern.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-4274, 41-4275