Alabama House Bill HB321

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/13/23
• Refer: 4/13/23
• Report Pass: 5/3/23

Caption

Relating to state government; to require a state agency, department, or other governmental body, or a county or municipality, to consult the federal Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List before purchasing or acquiring an unmanned aircraft system; and to prohibit a governmental body, county, or municipality from purchasing or acquiring an unmanned aircraft system in certain circumstances.

Impact

The implications of HB321 are significant for state and local governance, as it amplifies the scrutiny placed on procurement processes, particularly in relation to unmanned aircraft systems. By requiring the consultation of the SDN List, the bill aims to mitigate risks associated with national security. Local and state governments must ensure compliance with this bill, reshaping their purchasing strategies and potentially altering their relationships with vendors and manufacturers that may be affected by these new restrictions.

Summary

House Bill 321 is a legislative measure aimed at enhancing state and local government procurement protocols regarding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The bill mandates that state agencies and municipalities consult the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by the federal Office of Foreign Assets Control prior to purchasing or acquiring any unmanned aircraft system. Specifically, if the manufacturer of such a system is listed on the SDN List and is based in China, the governmental body is prohibited from making that purchase. This move reflects growing concerns about national security, especially in regard to technology sourced from international manufacturers known for potential ties to adversarial governments.

Contention

While the bill may enhance national security measures, it could also raise concerns regarding the limitations placed on procurement options available to local governments. There may be contention around the balancing act between securing state interests and providing local governments with the flexibility needed to operationalize modern technology. The strong stance against manufacturers linked to nations like China reflects a broader trend in legislative discourse aimed at securing technology infrastructure, which may face pushback from those advocating for free market access and the use of innovative technologies regardless of their origin.