Posted on March 13, 2024
Hartford, Conn. – The General Law Committee voted out a bill that would prohibit public entities from purchasing or operating certain small, unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones. Rep. Bill Pizzuto (R-71) supported an amendment to SB 3 that would have carved out exceptions for law enforcement, firefighters, and other public safety entities.
“I understand the concern with foreign-manufactured drones, but these are valuable tools for municipalities when first responders are searching for a missing person or in other similar scenarios. These departments have also already spent thousands of taxpayer dollars for these valuable tools,” said Pizzuto.
The majority Democrats voted down the proposed amendment. They also rejected a proposal to send the bill to the Public Safety Committee, instead of right to floor.
“I spoke with police in Waterbury about how their drones can by anywhere in the city in four minutes. I’m concerned if there’s down time due to supply chain issues between when the ban goes into effect and when they order parts for existing technology or new drones that our citizens will be put at a disadvantage,” said Pizzuto.
Pizzuto also expressed concerns that private citizens will still have access to foreign-made drones. If anything, he suggested lawmakers also consider a long transition time so first responders can be guaranteed they’ll have access quality technology long before they need them.