SACRAMENTO, CA – The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee today approved Assembly Bill 2320 (AB 2320), a measure authored by Majority Leader Ian Calderon (D-Whittier) and Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) clarifying that it is unlawful to employ unmanned aircraft systems in the conduct of activities already unlawful in California.
“When addressing new technologies such as drones, it’s important that we enact policies that protect personal privacy and public safety while continuing to foster innovation,” stated Majority Leader Ian Calderon. “AB 2320 offers a comprehensive, common sense approach to regulating unmanned aircraft systems while allowing this technology to continue to revolutionize the way we do things.”
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly called unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, are being put to use in a growing number of applications, including law enforcement, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, wildlife tracking, search and rescue operations, disaster response, border patrol, photography and film.
In the absence of a complete federal regulatory structure, state and local governments are looking to establish rules for the use of UAS in their communities. The FAA has warned that a “patchwork quilt” of inconsistent regulations across the state raises substantial safety concerns, impedes innovation and makes it difficult for consumers to understand the rules for operating UAS.
“There should be no “loophole” for UAS’s under California law,” stated Assemblymember Evan Low. “We need smart, forward thinking legislation that first and foremost safeguards the privacy and safety of our citizens, but also ensures that our state continues to lead on innovation.”
Specifically, AB 2320 prohibits:
- the use of UAS to knowingly and intentionally interfere with “first-responder” law enforcement or emergency personnel at the scene of an emergency;
- the use of UAS by Registered Sex Offenders; the use of UAS to knowingly and intentionally introduce contraband into a correctional facility;
- the use of UAS to knowingly and intentionally engage in stalking, harassment or violate a restraining order.
Additionally, AB 2320 precludes local governments from enacting an ordinance or resolution that regulates the ownership or operation of a UAS.
Contact: Melissa Apuya (Low) – (916) 319-2028; Lerna Shirinian (Calderon) – (562) 692-5858
