Comprehensive Bill Could Limit Drone Use by Government Agencies
Missouri lawmakers are currently considering House Bill 210 (HB 210), the “Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act of 2025,” which aims to regulate and restrict the use of drones by government agencies within the state, particularly those manufactured in countries of concern like China. The proposed legislation is designed to address data security vulnerabilities and prevent access by foreign adversaries, but has faced opposition from law enforcement officials who worry about the impact on their operations.
The bill defines “country of concern” as the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Cuba, the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro, or the Syrian Arab Republic. The governor can add to this list after consulting with state and federal officials. It would prohibit government agencies from purchasing, acquiring, or using drones, related services, or equipment from manufacturers domiciled in or controlled by a country of concern.
A Security Framework for Drones
HB 210 establishes a tiered security framework based on a drone’s data collection and transmission capabilities:
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Tier One: Drones that do not collect, transmit, or receive data during flight. This category includes drones used by schools exclusively as instructional technology.
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Tier Two: Drones that collect, transmit, or receive only flight control data, excluding visual and auditory data. All communication to and from a drone shall utilize a Federal Information Process Standard (FIPS) 140-2 compliant encryption algorithm; and critical components shall not be produced by a manufacturer domiciled in, or produced by a manufacturer the government agency believes to be owned, controlled by, or otherwise connected to, a country of concern.
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Tier Three: Drones that collect, transmit, or receive any data, including visual or auditory information. Data storage must be restricted to the geographic location of the United States, and remote access to data storage (other than open data) from outside the United States is prohibited unless approved in writing by a government agency head or their designee.
Drones used for “research and accountability purposes” are exempt from certain requirements, provided the Department of Transportation receives written notice 30 days before the exception is utilized.
Geofencing “Sensitive Locations” in the State
Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Transportation, in consultation with other authorities, to identify and geofence “sensitive locations,” including military installations, power stations, and other critical infrastructure, where drone usage would be restricted. Providers of flight mapping software would be required to prevent drone flights over these sensitive locations, with violations resulting in a class B misdemeanor. Law enforcement is exempt from these geofencing restrictions.
During a public hearing held yesterday, Missouri law enforcement officials expressed concerns that the bill’s restrictions could impede their ability to effectively use drones for public safety missions. Objections centered on limitations on drone origins, costs to upgrade fleets, and the potential impact on emergency response and investigations. They argued that existing regulations sufficiently address security concerns.
The bill offers a reimbursement program, subject to appropriation, for departments currently using drones that do not meet the new requirements.
HB 210 remains under consideration in the Missouri legislature. Further debate and potential amendments are anticipated as it moves through the legislative process.
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