North Dakota Senate rejects proposal to replace Chinese-made drones

The North Dakota Senate on Friday rejected a proposal to invest $15 million to replace Chinese-made drones used by state agencies.

Supporters of House Bill 1038 said replacing drones used by state agencies and higher education campuses would protect North Dakota from security risks. Nearly 90% of drones owned by the state were manufactured in China.

A separate section of the bill provided $11 million to invest in a network that’s working to make it possible for drones to operate safely over long distances.

The House quickly approved the bill, which has the support of Gov. Kelly Armstrong and was championed by former Gov. Doug Burgum in his final budget address.

North Dakota lawmakers advance bill to replace Chinese-made drones

The Senate divided the bill and voted on the sections separately, with Sen. Kyle Davison, R-Fargo, citing concerns about the drone replacement program. Davison said U.S.-made drones are twice as expensive, less functional and not as readily available for purchase than Chinese drones. 

“Most of the agencies like their drones,” Davison said. “What if they don’t want to trade them in?”

He also questioned whether the state would also need to replace cellphones with parts made in China.

Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, said the drones could be replaced as they’re in need of updates.

“I think it’s a bad use of money,” Mathern said.

The Senate voted 29-15 against that portion of the bill.

A second portion of the bill, which supporters say will keep North Dakota as a leader in the unmanned aircraft systems industry, passed with a 40-4 vote. 

Leaders of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site testified in support of the proposal, which aims to help the industry develop infrastructure similar to an air traffic control system for drones.

The bill includes one-time funding to support the Radar Data Pathfinder Program. The state’s Vantis Network is working to integrate Federal Aviation Administration surveillance data, greatly expanding the radar coverage in North Dakota.

Sen. Jeff Barta, R-Grand Forks, said the state’s investments in the UAS industry have attracted significant research dollars to North Dakota. He also pointed to potential opportunities for rural areas, such as drone delivery of medications.

The Senate also approved an emergency clause, which means the funding would take effect immediately with the approval of the governor. 

Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, the prime sponsor of the bill, said he was extremely disappointed the drone replacement portion failed but glad the Senate approved the investment in Vantis. However, state agencies won’t be able to use the network with Chinese drones due to the security risks, Nathe said.

He predicted Friday that the proposal could come back.

“We have a long session ahead of us. It will be back,” Nathe said.