Connecticut lawmakers passed emergency legislation Tuesday prohibiting state agencies and municipalities from purchasing or using Chinese and Russian drones while also imposing restrictions on where drones can be operated in the state.
Ned Lamont's desk, certain state agencies and municipalities, as well as entities that contract with them, will be barred from purchasing prohibited drones after Oct. 1, 2026, and from using them after Oct. 1, 2028.
The state's Department Emergency Services and Public Protection, which includes the State Police, is prohibited from purchasing the drones beginning this year, after Oct. 1.
Several states, including Tennessee and Florida, have already restricted the use of Chinese drones by their public agencies, including police and fire departments.
The bill comes amid bipartisan concern in Washington about possible threats to U.S. national security posed by foreign-adversary drones.
