Georgia Embarks On Sweeping Drone Regulation As State Seeks To Balance National Security And Data Protection

Georgia Takes Bold Step in Drones Regulation, Citing National Security and Data Protection Worries

Lawmakers in Georgia are advancing comprehensive measures to address national security concerns and data protection risks through restrictive drone operations and procurement sources for state agencies. House Bill 205 requires the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to create an approved drone list for state and local government purchases.

These drones must meet Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Department of Defense standards, with agencies given a three-year compliance window. By doing so, lawmakers aim to mitigate potential security threats from leading drone manufacturers such as DJI and Autel, which have ties to the Chinese government.

The bill’s primary author, State Rep. David Clark, R-Buford, emphasized the importance of protecting national security in an increasingly complex global landscape. A companion measure, Senate Bill 64, specifically targets drones under 55 pounds manufactured or assembled in China or Russia.

State Sen. Ed Setzler, R-Acworth, who chairs the Science and Technology Committee, highlighted the strategic significance of this legislation: “As UAVs become more and more systemically important to our nation’s entire stream of commerce, we need to limit the ability of malevolent actors such as China and Russia from having an outsized influence on our economy and collecting rich aerial data on our citizens.”

The economic implications of these regulations could be substantial. American-made alternatives typically cost substantially more than Chinese-manufactured drones, which currently dominate the commercial market.

Notably, the timing of this legislation coincides with drone delivery expansion plans in Atlanta. Wing, a drone delivery company partnered with Walmart and DoorDash, recently demonstrated its 11-pound delivery drones to state legislators. The company’s service positions itself as an efficient alternative to traditional delivery methods, which could face increased scrutiny under these new regulations.

Additional measures include House Bill 58, which would prohibit drone flights within 400 feet of large ticketed events, and House Bill 156, designating the Department of Transportation as the authority over “vertiports” – specialized drone takeoff and landing facilities. These regulations underscore the government’s commitment to balancing innovation with public safety concerns.

Following recent drone activity concerns in New Jersey, the White House has clarified that these flights were FAA-authorized and included legitimate commercial, research, and hobbyist operations. Georgia’s push for stricter regulations reflects a broader national conversation about the responsible development of this emerging technology.

By taking bold steps in drone regulation, Georgia lawmakers aim to address pressing national security concerns while promoting innovation and public safety. The legislation offers a promising model for other states to follow, as the industry continues to evolve and expand its reach.