House Bill 1293

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 31-7-15.1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE STATE AGENCIES TO GIVE A PURCHASING PREFERENCE TO DRONES MANUFACTURED IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI; TO PROHIBIT STATE AGENCIES FROM PURCHASING OR OPERATING DRONES MANUFACTURED OR ASSEMBLED FROM PARTS MANUFACTURED IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT SHALL NOT APPLY TO AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING WITH A FEDERALLY DESIGNATED RESEARCH CENTER ON UNCREWED SYSTEMS AND RELATED MATTERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 31-7-15.1, Mississippi Code of 1972:

31-7-15.1. (1) Whenever two (2) or more competitive bids relating to the purchase of one or more drones are received by an agency, if all things stated in the received bids are equal with respect to price, quality and service, any drones manufactured within this state must be given first preference. Whenever a purchase of one or more drones may be made without competitive bids, a similar first preference must be given to any drones manufactured within the state.

(2) An agency may not purchase or operate a drone manufactured in the People's Republic of China. For purposes of this section, the term "manufactured" includes a drone that is assembled in a country other than the People's Republic of China but which is comprised of more than a negligible amount of parts, components or raw materials originating in the People's Republic of China.

(3) This section shall not apply to an institution of higher learning with a federally designated research center on uncrewed systems and related matters.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.