To require drones used by state and county personnel to be produced in the United States

HB 3299 prohibits West Virginia state and local government agencies from purchasing or operating drones (small unmanned aircraft systems) manufactured or assembled by foreign entities linked to China or Russia, as defined by U.S. sanctions lists. It requires agencies to replace non-compliant drones by May 1, 2028, and creates a grant program within the Department of Homeland Security to fund the transition to U.S.-made drones. The grant provides reimbursement based on a drone’s current value for agencies turning in non-compliant equipment, with priority for agencies submitting complete applications. Agencies must use funds only for drones meeting U.S. certification standards, such as Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue sUAS or AUVSI Green UAS. The bill directly affects all public safety and government drone users across the state.