(Sacramento, CA) – Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) announced the introduction of legislation to strengthen national security by preventing military equipment and technology that is banned by the U.S. Armed Forces from being used in California. 

Recently, the U.S. Department of Defense banned Chinese manufacturer, DJI.  Yet under current law, state and local governments and agencies are still able to purchase equipment, tools, and technology from DJI or other similarly-situated companies. Earlier this year, The New York Times reported that cybersecurity researchers have found that Beijing could potentially exploit vulnerabilities in an app that controls the drone to gain access to large amounts of personal information. The Pentagon has banned the use of DJI drones and in January, the Interior Department decided to continue grounding its fleet of drones over security fears.

“From scanning terrain for lost hikers, to assessing wildfire risk, it’s understandable that drones have become a critical tool of local agencies and governments,” said Senator Umberg.  “That said, the fact that the Pentagon has prohibited equipment from a specific company due to fears of spying should raise bright red flags for all consumers.”

Existing state law requires a law enforcement agency to obtain approval from an elected body to purchase and acquire military equipment, including drones. The definition of military equipment is broad, and state law requires that the acquisition be necessary with no reasonable alternative that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety. However, the list of considerations fails to include developing Department of Defense policies pertaining to prohibited foreign-made equipment. Senator Umberg’s Senate Bill 99 would add this requirement.

“This is a very quickly-evolving industry with technology development often moving light years faster than government procurement processes,” added Senator Umberg. “It’s important that California agencies stay up-to-date and mirror federal homeland security and consumer protection guidance in this arena.”

The fact sheet for SB 99 is attached, and the measure will be heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee on July 2^nd.

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Senator Thomas Umberg represents the 34th Senate District which includes the cities of Santa Ana, Anaheim, Long Beach, Fullerton, Orange, La Habra, Placentia, South Whittier, and East Whittie. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, and former federal prosecutor. He and his wife, Brigadier General Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.