HB 1444-FN (2026): relative to the purchase or acquisition of certain unmanned aircraft systems.

HB 1444-FN (2026)

relative to the purchase or acquisition of certain unmanned aircraft systems.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: State Government
• Chapter law: 95

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 15, 2026, with 2 people signed in online: 2 in opposition. The committee held a work session on January 22, 2026. The committee met in executive session on February 4, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee held a work session on February 4, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 14–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0558h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0558h) was adopted on a voice vote on February 19, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On February 19, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On February 19, 2026 the bill was referred to the Finance committee, whose chair waived the referral under House Rule 47(f). It crossed to the Senate on February 19, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 10, 2026. The committee voted 4–1 to recommend that the Senate pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On April 16, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. The bill was enrolled on May 14, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on May 28, 2026, making it Chapter 95 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Michael Moffett (R - Merr 4) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Jose Cambrils (R - Merr 4)
• Rep. James Creighton (R - Hills 30)
• Rep. Lisa Freeman (R - Belk 8)
• Rep. Melissa Litchfield (R - Rock 32)
• Rep. Jennifer Mandelbaum (D - Rock 21)
• Rep. Jeanine Notter (R - Hills 12)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R - SD18)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 15, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• January 22, 2026, 1:15 PM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• February 4, 2026, 10:15 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• February 4, 2026, 1:00 PM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• February 19, 2026: floor debate, House
• March 10, 2026, 1:45 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• April 16, 2026: consent calendar, Senate

Votes

• February 19, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0558h — voice vote, passed
• April 16, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 20
• HC 7, page 4
• HJ 5, pages 5, 39 and 112
• SJ 5
• SC 9
• SC 14
• SJ 9
• SJ 13
• HJ 13, page 147