Interfering with wildfire suppression and emergency responses with drone.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Enrolled
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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 prohibits individuals from operating drones in a way that interferes with wildfire suppression efforts, law enforcement responses related to wildfires, or emergency responses during temporary flight restrictions. It empowers the Attorney General or local attorneys to pursue civil actions against those who violate the law, potentially leading to substantial penalties and court orders. The bill aims to protect the effectiveness of critical emergency operations by limiting drone interference.
Key provisions
- Prohibits operating drones to interfere with wildfire suppression.
- Prohibits operating drones to interfere with law enforcement or emergency response efforts related to wildfires.
- Authorizes the Attorney General, county counsel, or city attorneys to bring civil actions.
- Allows prevailing plaintiffs to recover civil penalties up to $75,000.
- Allows prevailing plaintiffs to seek injunctive relief.
- Allows prevailing plaintiffs to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
- Addresses drone operation during FAA temporary flight restrictions.
Who is affected
- Drone operators
- Wildfire suppression personnel
- Law enforcement officers
- Emergency responders
- The general public (through protection of emergency services)
Notable changes
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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