Weaponized Robot Purchase Rules

At a glance

• What: Ordinance 26-O-1562 amends the procurement article of the City code to define autonomously operated and remotely operated machines, set procedures for Council consideration of any purchase or acquisition of weapon-equipped machines of those types regardless of purchase amount, and establish human authority over lethal technology.
• Where it stands: Adopted on substitute October 19, 2026, 15 to 0.
• Next: None recorded.

How it changed

• As introduced October 5 (by Bakhtiari) the title provided for prohibitions on purchasing certain weapon-equipped machines. It went to Public Safety and Legal Administration (October 12), was amended there, and reached the floor from Finance/Executive as a Council substitute whose title speaks of procedures for Council consideration instead of prohibitions. Sponsors on the final title: Bakhtiari, M. Bond, Lewis and Martin.

October 19 votes

• Winston moved to bring forth a substitute (seconded by Bakhtiari): carried 14-1, K. Bond opposed.
• Winston moved to adopt on substitute (seconded by Martin): carried 15-0.

Sources

• Action minutes, City Council regular meeting, October 5, 2026: https://atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=4140&Inline=True
• Action minutes (draft), City Council regular meeting, October 19, 2026: https://atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=4149&Inline=True

Log

2026-10-19 - City Council

Adopted on substitute 15-0 after the substitute was brought forward 14-1.

2026-10-05 - City Council

Introduced by Bakhtiari and referred to Public Safety and Legal Administration (next October 12).