1. The department may operate and administer an uncrewed aircraft systems test site, contingent upon receiving official designation by the federal aviation administration. The department may cooperate and contract with the university of North Dakota, the North Dakota aeronautics commission, the adjutant general, and other public or private entities as determined by the commissioner in the operation and administration of the test site. The department may charge fees sufficient to operate the test site. The department shall, to the extent possible, use competitive bidding in the operation and administration of the test site. The commissioner may charter a public corporation to operate the test site. The corporation must possess all of the powers of a business corporation consistent with this chapter. The department shall report to the legislative management semiannually on the status of the program.

2. In administering the uncrewed aircraft systems program, the uncrewed aircraft systems test site established in subsection 1 may: a. Enter contracts and agreements with public, private, and nonprofit organizations for projects, activities, and research topics, and for the operation and management of a public-private partnership under chapter 48-02.1; b. Enter partnerships, limited liability companies, joint ventures, or other contractual arrangements with private businesses for the purpose of business or industrial development; and c. Adopt policies governing ownership or transfer of ownership rights and distribution of income that may be derived from an invention or discovery resulting from research or employment in the uncrewed aircraft systems test site.