Drone Advocacy Alliance - May '25 State-Level Updates on US DJI Drone Ban Legislation

Here's the latest Drone Advocacy Alliance (DAA) state-level update.

State Updates

Illinois

Time is quickly running out in the Illinois legislative session, and the DAA are cautiously optimistic that efforts to pass a harmful bill in the state this year will be unsuccessful. The DAA should know more after the Memorial Day holiday, so stay tuned in future updates for confirmation.

Louisiana

The harmful bill in Louisiana, which would impose a ban on nearly all electronics manufactured in China for state agencies (not just drones), had an initial hearing last week. While several amendments were offered to mitigate the bill's impact, all were defeated. The DAA originally expected the bill to receive a committee vote this week, but that meeting has been canceled. The DAA will continue to monitor the bill in case the committee reschedules and are monitoring in case an amendment to allow drone use with U.S. software is reintroduced at that time. As a reminder, the DAA have prepared materials to help you engage on this bill, which are in the DAA Google Drive here, and would appreciate you sharing with your local network.

Massachusetts

The DAA continue to track a harmful bill in Massachusetts. Although it has not moved forward yet, the legislature is on a two-year session schedule which means that there is still plenty of time (unlike most states). Rest assured that the DAA will continue to keep tabs on this effort in the coming months, and the DAA have prepared materials to engage on the bill, which are in the DAA Google Drive here.

Michigan

Last week, the Michigan House Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on Homeland Security and Foreign Influence held a hearing to listen to a presentation from the Michigan Public Safety Drone Association as the state continues to consider legislation to restrict public safety drone use. The DAA continue working with a network of end users to oppose the bill, and the DAA have prepared materials and public safety drone use examples to help push back in Michigan, which are in the DAA Google Drive here.

Missouri

Great news out of Missouri, where the legislative session has ended without any harmful bills passing! This is a huge success and a testament to the great work of all of the partners and contacts of yours who reached out to oppose these efforts. Thanks to everyone who reached out or got involved in Missouri, because you really did make a huge difference on the ground in Jefferson City!

Nebraska

The DAA also have some positive news in Nebraska, where two bills that temporarily undo some very strict country of origin restrictions have passed both chambers and are now sitting with the governor for signature. The DAA thank everyone who helped the DAA push back in this state, and will keep you posted as to if and when these bills are signed and officially become law.

New York

Although there is a harmful bill still pending in New York, there has been no movement and time is running out for something to happen this year. Under normal circumstances, it would mean the DAA are out of the woods, but there is a chance that the bill could get folded into a larger bill or added to an agenda quickly. For now, the DAA don't expect that to happen – but if something does happen, the DAA will make sure to alert their New York partners and advocated to quickly engage and push back. As a reminder, the DAA already prepared materials for this bill, which can be found here in the event the DAA need to speak out quickly in the future.

Ohio

The DAA continue to track a bill in Ohio that would restrict the purchase and use of certain drones, as well as other legislation in the state that may be harmful down the road if amended to include country of origin restrictions. The DAA have prepared materials to help you push back on the most pressing threat, which can be found in the DAA Google Drive here. Thank you to all the partners who have already engaged and please keep it up!

Oklahoma

You may remember a harmful bill in Oklahoma, SB 488. The DAA have not seen any movement on it since February, and several procedural deadlines passed without the bill moving forward. The DAA are still watching closely in case its supporters try to attach it as an amendment to another bill in the final days of session, but the DAA are very close to good news in Oklahoma as well. Should things change, the DAA will be sure to let you know.

South Carolina

Good news in South Carolina, where the legislature has adjourned without the harmful bill moving forward! Thank you to everyone who got involved in that state, as your voices helped make a difference.

Texas

While several Texas bills such as HB 129 and HB 41 appear to have stalled, other bills continue to move, such as SB 1585 (restricting public safety use of telecommunications equipment, which could be read to include drones). Last week, SB 1585 passed out of committee and has been sent to the full House of Representatives for final consideration. It remains very important to push back on SB 1585 in particular, and strong end-user opposition in the coming days will really make a difference. The DAA encourage you to spread the news among your networks and share materials to push back, which can be found in the DAA Google Drive at this link.

Stay Aware of the Latest

The DAA also continue to track potential threats in states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin, so if you or your contacts hear anything, please let the DAA know. To always stay aware of the latest, check their tracker of state legislative threats, which is regularly updated in the Drone Advocacy Alliance Google Drive. You can always reach out to the DAA as well with any questions.

Reminder – The DAA's Federal Campaigns

With Congress wrapping up the reconciliation process, it will soon turn its attention to other matters. That means they will be able to focus on other priorities, and it's a great time to take action on their federal campaigns if you haven't yet done so! Submit your letters (as always, customized is best!) at the “Take Action” page of the DAA website. More information about their active campaigns is below:

Calling for the Completion of the Mandated Security Audit of DJI & Autel. This campaign calls for Congress to urge the appropriate national security agencies to undertake the mandated security review from last year's NDAA. If this is not done in a timely manner, DJI and Autel drones could find themselves banned by default – harming end users across America. Supporting the DRONE Act. This bill would expand certain existing federal grant programs for law enforcement to allow the grants to be used for the purchase and use of drones for the public safety community, expanding access to life-saving technology. Calling for Customs Investigation. This campaign calls on Congress to request more information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection about shipment delays for DJI products and seek a quick resolution to allow people to access their drones that are currently stuck in the process.

If you have any thoughts you would like to share about these initiatives, please reach out to the DAA at info@droneadvocacyalliance.com