The fifth month of the legislative session has ended, leaving just one more until the majority of States are out of session. This month saw Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Vermont adjourn for their 2023 regular session, bringing the total number states that have adjourned to thirty. With eleven more scheduled to go out in June, by the end of next month there will only be nine states continuing to meet in their regular sessions.  

As States continue to adjourn, we will publish end of session report cards analyzing the legislation and engagement of States AUVSI was involved with. Check out our report cards from this past month on Missouri, Iowa, Montana, Hawaii, Texas, and Florida.  

What We’re Working On 

State DOTs: This past month we had the opportunity to connect in person with representatives from the Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Utah, and Ohio Department of Transportation’s. As State DOTs are often the agencies that house aviation programs, they offer a unique perspective on the development of uncrewed systems in their respective locations. With each we were able to discuss the current environment for drones and AAM and how we can work with them to best support their work and the industry’s development in each individual state. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.  

What We’re Seeing 

Budgets, Budgets, Budgets: As sessions begin to adjourn, many States are ramping up the focus on their budgets to ensure they are passed by the necessary deadlines. This past month has been characterized by last-minute amendments and votes to these appropriations measures. As budgets are often the last major piece of legislation to be passed, there may be last-minute policy items added in that did not past elsewhere. 

This session we saw state budgets that contained sections specific to drones and/or AAM in Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas, and Washington. While most are line-item appropriations, the Washington budget directs money to be used for the development for a statewide AAM plan, and the Florida budget creates and appropriates money for a local law enforcement drone replacement program.  

What We’re Looking Forward To 

Study Committees: Now that sessions are wrapping-up, study committees are beginning. These committees are passed by the legislature and generally focus on the future of and development of AAM. AUVSI Georgia Chapter President Lamar Ellis is participating in the Georgia committee, which will meet three times this summer. AUVSI is also looking forward to participating in the upcoming planned committee in Utah.  

With one more month in the state session season, we look forward to what is coming in June. To stay connected and updated on all legislative activity and AUVSI engagements, sign up for our Drone Prepared Newsletter: https://auvsi.read.axioshq.com/signup/drone-prepared-updates