HARTFORD, Conn. — On Tuesday, lawmakers in Connecticut passed urgent legislation to restrict the procurement and usage of drones originating from China and Russia by state agencies and local governments. The newly approved bill also sets limitations on areas where these devices can be flown within Connecticut.
This legislative move aligns with growing bipartisan concerns in Washington, D.C., regarding the potential security risks posed by drones from countries deemed foreign adversaries. It follows similar actions taken by other states, such as Tennessee and Florida, which have already limited the use of Chinese drones by public entities like police and fire departments.
In Connecticut, the bill, which now awaits the signature of Democratic Governor Ned Lamont, specifies that certain state agencies, local councils, and their contractors must refrain from purchasing the specified foreign drones after October 1, 2026. Furthermore, the operation of these drones will be prohibited after October 1, 2028.
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which includes the State Police, faces an immediate ban on purchasing these drones from this year, post-October 1. The department had already adopted a similar policy last year as a precaution.
The legislation also restricts drone operations, setting a no-fly zone of less than 250 feet above critical infrastructure sites like power plants and prisons. Individuals violating this rule risk facing up to nearly a year in prison, fines up to $2,000, or both. However, exemptions exist for workers who need to use drones as part of their professional responsibilities in these areas.
Moreover, the bill explicitly prohibits the modification of drones by equipping them with dangerous weaponry or incendiary devices, ensuring drones can’t be turned into lethal or destructive tools.
