A significant discussion unfolded during the North Dakota House Appropriations meeting on January 10, 2025, focusing on a proposed bill aimed at replacing state-owned drones, particularly those manufactured by the Chinese company DJI. Representative Nafee highlighted the security risks associated with these drones, citing concerns from the FBI regarding their potential to compromise critical infrastructure and national security.

The state currently owns 353 drones, with 307 of them being DJI models. Nafee emphasized that these drones could be collecting sensitive data as they operate over key sites, including military bases and oil fields. He stated, "Even if out of the 307, we have one of these that are bad, it's worth doing," underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.

The proposed legislation includes a $15 million budget for a drone replacement program, which will be managed by a designated test site. This program aims to replace the Chinese drones with alternatives from U.S. manufacturers or allied countries. Nafee assured that the replacement drones would comply with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements, which prohibit the use of Chinese-manufactured drones.

In addition to the replacement initiative, the bill seeks $11 million to grant North Dakota access to FAA radar data, positioning the state as a leader in drone technology and operations. Nafee stressed the importance of acting quickly, stating, "If we don't do this in a timely manner, they're gonna go to another state."

The meeting also touched on the broader implications of the bill, including the potential for North Dakota to set a precedent by being the first state to eliminate Chinese drones from its inventory entirely. As discussions continue, the committee is poised to expedite the bill, reflecting a growing commitment to enhancing state security and advancing drone technology.