Crimes: impeding emergency personnel.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Died
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill changes the law regarding impeding emergency personnel. Currently, it’s a misdemeanor to block or interfere with emergency responders while they’re working. The bill increases this to a felony if someone operates an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) during a fire-related emergency, punishable by up to three years in jail and a $10,000 fine. It also clarifies that this applies to drones regardless of the operator’s location. The bill includes a provision exempting local agencies from reimbursement for costs associated with this new crime.
Key provisions
- Increases the penalty for obstructing emergency personnel from a misdemeanor to a felony when using drones.
- Specifically targets drone operation during fire-related emergencies.
- Applies the restriction regardless of the operator's location.
- Establishes a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for violating the drone provision.
- Clarifies that the penalty increase is due to the creation of a new crime.
- Exempts local agencies from reimbursement for costs associated with the new crime.
- Addresses interference with lifeguards in emergency situations.
- Defines ‘emergency’ to include a wide range of events.
Who is affected
- Drone operators
- Firefighters
- Emergency medical personnel
- Police officers
- Military personnel
Notable changes
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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