House Bill 10‑38 was presented to the Senate with three sections: a proposed $15 million drone replacement (buyback) program, funding to obtain an FAA radar feed for the Northern Plains unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) test site, and an emergency clause. Floor debate divided the bill into Division A (section 1, drone buyback) and Division B (sections 2–3, radar feed and emergency clause).

Senator Davidson, speaking for proponents of Division B, emphasized the test site's work and the value of integrating FAA radar to expand coverage. "By tying into that FAA radar feed, we take on quite a bit, a larger area," he said, describing how the radar tie‑in would expand operational footprint and research opportunities. Supporters described the radar feed appropriation as an investment to leverage existing infrastructure and attract outside users and research projects.

Division A, the proposed $15 million buyback for Chinese‑made drones, drew skepticism. Senators questioned whether agencies regularly used the devices, whether replacing a limited number of state‑owned units meaningfully reduced risk, and whether the appropriation was the best use of funds. Senator Mathern observed that many agencies do not regularly use their drones and raised concerns about cost. Questions were also raised about the potential impact of the National Defense Authorization Act and U.S. restrictions on federal funding for projects that rely on certain foreign equipment.

The Senate voted first on Division A, which failed 15 ayes, 29 nays and 3 absent. The chamber then approved Division B by a 40‑4 vote. Finally, with only sections 2 and 3 before it, the Senate passed House Bill 10‑38 with a final tally of 40 ayes, 4 nays and 3 absent; the emergency clause also carried. The approved portions will fund integration of FAA radar data to expand the test site's beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight coverage and related operations.