HB 5421 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

To require drones used by state and county personnel to be produced in the United States

This bill prohibits West Virginia state and county agencies from purchasing or using drones made by companies based in China or Russia, or under their control, with a deadline of May 1, 2029, for phasing out existing non-compliant drones. It creates a grant program within the Department of Homeland Security to help agencies replace prohibited drones with U.S.-made models that meet federal safety standards, providing funds based on the drone's current value. Agencies must submit replacement plans and training proposals, and the Secretary of Homeland Security may grant limited exceptions for urgent needs like counter-terrorism, but must notify the legislature. The law directly affects all public safety and government entities using drones in West Virginia.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2026 Last action Feb 10, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Feb 10, 2026
Committee
To House Government Organization
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization then Finance
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jonathan Kyle
Jonathan Kyle
RRepublican
WV
66