13 March 2024
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – Kansas Republicans are pushing to ramp up national security.
A new bill would prevent government agencies from buying drones and drone replacement parts from “countries of concern,” which includes China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela.
HB 2820 comes from House Majority Leader Chris Croft (R-Overland Park). Croft is also behind HB 2766, which aims to prevent the aforementioned countries from purchasing Kansas land within 150 miles of any military installation.
Bel Aire Kansas Police Chief Darrell Atteberry provided neutral testimony at a hearing on the drone bill Tuesday. He said he understands the need to protect the U.S. from adversarial countries such as China but is concerned with the cost associated with this bill.
“As it currently is written is an unfunded mandate,” he said. “We have a lot of departments in this state that are very small, and trying to acquire that expensive piece of equipment that is useful for the safety and welfare of our communities it’s just expensive.”
Atteberry said DJI, a Chinese tech company, produces about 90% of the drones used by roughly 250 Kansas Law enforcement agencies. He said DJI drones are among the cheapest ones on the market, costing between $12,000 and $35,000 each, depending on the type. Atteberry also said they’re the highest quality.
No opponents testified against the bill. It remains in the House Commerce Committee until legislators decide whether or not to send it to the House floor for debate.