AN ACT providing that the state and political subdivisions of the state shall not purchase any small unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by certain foreign vendors.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 3 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§143‑59.5.  Purchase of small unmanned aircraft from covered foreign entities.

(a)        Neither the State nor any political subdivision of the State shall purchase or otherwise acquire any small, unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity. No State funds may be used in connection with the purchase or acquisition of any small, unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity, including any State funds provided through a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

(b)        For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

(1)        Covered foreign entity. – An individual, foreign government, or party that meets one or more of the following criteria:

a.         Is on the United State's Consolidated Screening List or Entity List.

b.         Is domiciled in the People's Republic of China or the Russian Federation.

c.         Is under the influence or control of the government of the People's Republic of China or the Russian Federation.

d.         Is a subsidiary or affiliate of an individual, government, or party of the People's Republic of China or the Russian Federation.

(2)        Small, unmanned aircraft system. – An unmanned, powered aircraft that meets all of the following criteria:

a.         Is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from on or within the aircraft.

b.         Can be expendable or recoverable.

c.         Weighs less than 55 pounds, including the weight of anything attached to or carried by the aircraft.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies to small, unmanned aircraft purchased on or after July 1, 2027.