unmanned aircraft; critical infrastructure; prohibition

SB 1708 bans state agencies, their contractors, and individuals in Arizona from using drones made by "covered foreign entities" (as defined by federal law) to collect data on restricted critical infrastructure after December 31, 2028. Exceptions allow drone use if equipped with U.S. security software compliant with federal standards or approved secure firewall technology. The law applies to infrastructure like oil/gas systems, water facilities, power grids, telecom networks, and transportation systems, which the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety will designate as "restricted." Annual third-party security verification is required for the exception technology. The ban does not apply to state homeland security, public safety, or law enforcement agencies.