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HJR 226

Memorials, Recognition - Linda P. Hayes -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mary Littleton

Creates a temporary, bipartisan Alabama drone study commission to assess drone use, cybersecurity and data risks from foreign sources, and viable domestic alternatives.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 226

Summary — HJR 226: Alabama Unmanned Aircraft System Study Commission

Status: Enacted (Introduced 2025-04-09; Enrolled 2025-04-29; Enacted 2025-05-06)
Type: House Joint Resolution (study commission / advisory)

Purpose

HJR 226 establishes a temporary, bipartisan study commission to evaluate the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in Alabama, with particular attention to cybersecurity and supply-chain concerns posed by foreign‑sourced drones. The commission is charged to identify practices, protocols, and feasible alternatives to reduce vulnerability to unauthorized data transfers to hostile foreign entities.

Key provisions

  • Creates the Alabama Unmanned Aircraft System Study Commission.
  • Membership (12 total):
    1. One appointment each by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor
    2. One appointment each by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Senate Minority Leader
    3. One appointment each by the Speaker of the House and the House Minority Leader
    4. State Budget Officer (ex officio)
    5. One appointment by the Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency
    6. One appointment by the Attorney General
    7. One appointment by the Director of the Department of Transportation (added by amendment)
    8. One appointment by the Alabama Sheriffs Association (added by amendment)
    9. One appointment by the Alabama League of Municipalities (added by amendment)
  • Appointing authorities must coordinate to ensure membership reflects the state’s racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity.
  • Commission duties: evaluate (1) drone use in the state, (2) potential vulnerability to unauthorized data transfer by hostile actors, (3) practices/protocols to secure sensitive data, and (4) feasibility of alternatives to current foreign‑sourced drones.
  • Administrative support provided by the Legislative Services Agency, Clerk of the House, and Secretary of the Senate.
  • Compensation: legislative members receive legislative pay, per diem, and travel (per Section 49, Alabama Constitution of 2022); nonlegislative members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses under their appointing authority’s policies.
  • Transparency: must provide meeting notices, member list, final report, and produced documents to the Secretary of State (per Ala. Code §36‑14‑17.1).

Timeline and procedural points

  • First meeting: at the Governor’s call no later than 90 days after passage; commission elects chair and vice chair at that meeting.
  • Final report due to the Legislature no later than the 15th legislative day of the 2026 Regular Session.
  • Upon filing the report, the commission is dissolved and discharged of further duties and liabilities.

Likely impacts / stakeholders

  • Informs state policy and procurement decisions affecting state and local agencies (law enforcement, DOT, sheriffs, municipalities), agriculture, emergency responders, and public‑safety operations that use drones.
  • Could lead to recommendations on procurement restrictions, cybersecurity protocols, or incentives for domestic/alternative drone sources.
  • No appropriation or regulatory authority is created — this is an advisory study body whose recommendations would require separate legislative or executive action to implement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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