H.B. No. 41 aims to regulate the acquisition and use of certain foreign unmanned aircraft and related services by governmental entities in Texas. The bill amends Chapter 423 of the Government Code, changing its heading to focus on unmanned aircraft and designating Sections 423.001 through 423.009 as Subchapter A, which is now titled "Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft." A new Section 423.010 is introduced, prohibiting governmental entities from acquiring or using unmanned aircraft or related equipment from companies that are owned or controlled by designated countries, which are identified as posing a national security risk. This prohibition is effective for acquisitions made on or after the bill's effective date, with a grace period for existing contracts until January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program under a new Subchapter B to assist law enforcement agencies in replacing prohibited equipment. The program will provide grants to replace unmanned aircraft or related equipment that was in use before January 1, 2026, and has not reached its end of life. The bill also introduces a model security plan for telecommunications and video surveillance technologies that may pose risks to state security, which will be developed by the Department of Information Resources. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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