SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the Assembly approved Assembly Bill 2320, a measure authored by Majority Leader Ian Calderon (D-Whittier) and Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) clarifying that it is unlawful to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) in the conduct of activities already unlawful in California, with bipartisan support.
“Unmanned aircraft systems provide undeniable benefits and play a transformative role in our society,” stated Majority Leader Calderon. “It’s critical we adopt comprehensive policies for UAS integration that preserve individual expectations to privacy and public safety. California has a responsibility to ensure the safety of our citizens and we cannot afford to wait to until the FAA acts to have these protections in place."
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.
“AB 2320 is a smart, forward thinking bill that provides the necessary framework to regulate the use of unmanned aerial systems,” stated Assemblymember Low. “This comprehensive approach ensures that we are able to protect the privacy and safety of our citizens while continuing to foster innovation in California.”
The FAA is currently in the process of developing rules that are intended to safely integrate small unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system and following issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking and public comment period, these new regulations are expected to be released later this year or in 2017.
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 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.
CONTACT: Melissa Apuya (Low) – (916) 319-2028; Lerna Shirinian (Calderon) – (562) 692-5858
