The bill amends the Management and Budget Act of 1984 by adding a new section, 261g, which prohibits public entities in Michigan from purchasing or operating drones manufactured, in whole or in part, by companies listed on specific federal sanction lists. These lists include the U.S. Department of Defense's list under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, the U.S. Department of Treasury's Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Sanction List, and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Entity List. The prohibition on purchasing these drones will take effect two years after the bill's enactment, while the prohibition on operating them will take effect five years after enactment.

The bill also allows for exceptions in cases of state emergencies or disasters, where the governor can authorize the operation of such drones if it aids in the response efforts. Additionally, the section clarifies that it does not apply to small unmanned aircraft systems that comply with existing regulations. The term "public entity" is defined to include state agencies, local governments, universities, community colleges, and entities receiving state funds. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of House Bill No. 5330.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-3): 18.1101, 18.1594
House Introduced Bill: 18.1101, 18.1594
As Passed by the House: 18.1101, 18.1594