Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to support and enhance the delivery of medical supplies to rural areas in Minnesota using small unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill allocates $1,000,000 for each fiscal year 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation. These funds are intended for the development and support of drone-enabled medical supply delivery systems.

• Development and Support Activities:

  • Improvements to air navigation facilities for the operation of drones beyond the visual line of sight.
  • Assistance with applications for the required beyond visual line of sight certificate of waiver, which is necessary under federal regulations.
  • Testing the delivery process of medical supplies using drones.
  • Initiatives to engage and educate the public on the usage of drones for medical supply delivery.
  • Development of guidance and best practices related to the safe and effective use of drones in this context.

• Collaborations: The Commissioner of Transportation is required to consult with the Commissioner of Health and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy to ensure effective use of the funds and compliance with regulatory standards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a focused investment in drone technology for the specific purpose of delivering medical supplies, which is a new initiative not covered by existing Minnesota law.

Relevant Terms

small unmanned aircraft systems, drones, medical supplies delivery, rural areas, funding, air navigation, beyond visual line of sight, certificate of waiver, public engagement, transportation commissioner, health commissioner, Board of Pharmacy