WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1504

TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF MANUFACTURING, MODIFYING, SELLING, TRANSFERRING, OR OPERATING A ROBOTIC DEVICE OR AN UNCREWED AIRCRAFT THAT IS EQUIPPED OR MOUNTED WITH A WEAPON.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Johnson and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1504 sought to penalize the manufacture and use of weaponized robotic devices and uncrewed aircraft, enhancing public safety and accountability in technology.

Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1504

Summary of House Bill 1504

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 1504
  • Title: To Create the Offense of Manufacturing, Modifying, Selling, Transferring, or Operating a Robotic Device or an Uncrewed Aircraft that is Equipped or Mounted with a Weapon.
  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Status: Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment (May 5, 2025)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1504 aimed to establish legal penalties for the manufacturing, modification, sale, transfer, or operation of robotic devices and uncrewed aircraft that are equipped or mounted with weapons. The bill sought to address concerns regarding the potential misuse of advanced technologies in harmful ways, ensuring public safety and accountability.

Key Provisions

The bill included several significant provisions:

  1. Definitions:

    • Robotic Device: A fully or partially automated mechanical device capable of movement and navigation.
    • Uncrewed Aircraft: An aircraft operated without direct human control.
    • Weapon: Defined broadly to include firearms, stun guns, explosive devices, and other devices designed to cause harm.

  2. Unlawful Acts:

    • It would be illegal to knowingly manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, or operate a robotic device or uncrewed aircraft equipped with a weapon.
    • Modifying the programming of a robotic device to harm humans or property would also be prohibited.

  3. Penalties:

    • Violators could face fines ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
    • Individuals using such devices to commit other offenses would be held criminally liable as if they had personally committed the act.

  4. Exceptions:

    • The bill outlined specific exceptions for defense contractors, robotics companies testing anti-weaponization technologies, and participants in robot competitions, provided certain conditions were met.
    • Law enforcement and bomb squad personnel were exempt when acting in the line of duty.

  5. Civil Actions:

    • The Attorney General could initiate civil actions against violators.
    • Individuals harmed by violations could sue for damages, with potential awards including liquidated damages and attorney's fees.

Impact

The legislation would have affected manufacturers, sellers, and operators of robotic devices and uncrewed aircraft, particularly those involved in defense and technology sectors. It aimed to enhance public safety by regulating the use of potentially dangerous technologies.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 17, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • March 4, 2025: Multiple amendments adopted and the bill was reported correctly engrossed.
  • April 3, 2025: Returned by the committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • April 7, 2025: Read for the third time and failed.
  • May 5, 2025: Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While HB 1504 aimed to create a framework for regulating the use of robotic devices and uncrewed aircraft with weapons, it ultimately did not progress through the legislative process. The discussions surrounding this bill reflect ongoing concerns about the implications of advanced technologies in society.

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

Sign in to ask a question.