BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 737
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ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 737 (Fox)
As Amended April 3, 2013
2/3 vote. Urgency
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6-0
APPROPRIATIONS 15-1
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|Ayes:|Medina, Daly, Fong, Fox, |Ayes:|Gatto, Harkey, Bocanegra, |
| |V. Manuel Pérez, Brown | |Bradford, Ian Calderon, |
| | | |Campos, Eggman, Gomez, |
| | | |Hall, Holden, Linder, |
| | | |Pan, Quirk, Wagner, Weber |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | |Nays:|Donnelly |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Requires the Governor's Office of Business and
Economic Development (GO-Biz) to prepare and submit a proposal
for an unmanned aircraft test site to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) on or before May 6, 2013. Specifically,
this bill :
1)Requires GO-Biz to prepare and submit a proposal by May 6,
2013, to establish a FAA designation in California.
2)Authorizes GO-Biz to consult during its application
preparation with the Governor's State Military Council and
other relevant entities including, but not limited to: the
Office of Planning and Research; the Military Department;
Department of Veteran's Affairs; Employment Development
Department; Department of Transportation; representatives of
the aerospace industry; all other applicants for a
California-based test site; local governments; and, education
and training entities.
3)Requires GO-Biz to coordinate with any local government that
submits a proposal to establish a test site to the FAA.
4)Includes an urgency clause.
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FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations
Committee, implementation of the bill would have absorbable
costs for GO-Biz.
COMMENTS : The FAA has announced the designation of six national
test sites for unmanned aircraft systems. As California is home
to a large segment of the national aerospace industry, a federal
test site ensures the continued relevance of this important
industry sector. Failing to receive a designation would support
the development of competing aerospace innovation centers within
the state.
Two, potentially competing, applications have already been
submitted from California. This bill calls on GO-Biz, as the
state's economic development leader, to prepare and submit a
third application which successfully brings key stakeholders
together and increases California's chances in receiving one of
the six test sites.
Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of
2012 : On February 14, 2012, President Obama signed the Federal
Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012,
which mandates the integration of civil unmanned aircraft
systems (UAS) into the national airspace. Prior to this act,
unmanned aircraft systems were strictly regulated and
effectively banned from civilian usage.
The FAA has received 50 bids representing 38 states for one of
the six test site designations. The application process is
composed of seven volumes, with each volume addressing different
applications requirements. The final volume, "Economic Impact"
is due on Monday, May 6, 2013. The deadlines for the previous
six volumes have already passed.
Evolution of the Civilian UAS Market : UAS integration into the
national airspace system is projected to begin in 2015. It is
estimated that in the following decade the UAS industry will
create over 100,000 jobs and over $82 billion in total economic
impact in the U.S. California is projected to be the lead
beneficiary of this growth, projecting $14.3 billion in economic
impact and the creation of over 18,000 jobs. Important civilian
applications for drones include:
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|Wildfire mapping |Weather monitoring |
|-----------------------------+------------------------------|
|Agricultural monitoring |Aerial imaging/mapping |
|-----------------------------+------------------------------|
|Disaster management |Freight transportation |
|-----------------------------+------------------------------|
|Thermal infrared power line |Environmental monitoring |
|surveys | |
|-----------------------------+------------------------------|
|Law enforcement |Oil and gas exploration |
|-----------------------------+------------------------------|
|Telecommunications |Television news coverage, |
| |sporting event coverage, |
| |moviemaking |
| | |
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The primary market for civilian UAS usage is agricultural
monitoring. UAS technology is especially suited for precision
agriculture. A variety of imaging technologies can be used to
scan for plant health problems, track growth rates and
hydration, and detect pests. UAS technology can also be used
for selective application of pesticides, simultaneously
increasing the efficiency of pesticide usage and decreasing
environmental impact. UAS technology is already widely used in
Japan.
The policy committee analysis provides greater detail on the
federal test site mandate and how unmanned aircraft systems
could affect the California economy.
Analysis Prepared by : Toni Symonds and Zachary Hutsell / J.,
E.D. & E. / (916) 319-2090
FN: 0000148