BILL ANALYSIS Ó SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair 2015 - 2016 Regular Session SB 868 (Jackson) - State Remote Piloted Aircraft Act ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |--------------------------------+--------------------------------| | | | |Version: April 26, 2016 |Policy Vote: T. & H. 7 - 2, | | | PUB. S. 5 - 2 | | | | |--------------------------------+--------------------------------| | | | |Urgency: No |Mandate: Yes | | | | |--------------------------------+--------------------------------| | | | |Hearing Date: May 27, 2016 |Consultant: Mark McKenzie | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Summary: SB 868 would enact the State Remote Piloted Aircraft Act to establish a regulatory framework for the operation of unmanned aircraft in this state, and authorize the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to adopt rules and regulations governing the conditions under which remote piloted aircraft (drones) may operate. *********** ANALYSIS ADDENDUM - SUSPENSE FILE *********** The following information is revised to reflect amendments adopted by the committee on May 27, 2016 Fiscal Impact: Estimated Caltrans costs in the range of $150,000 to $200,000 to develop and adopt rules and regulations governing the operation of drones in California, should the department exercise this authority. (State Highway Account) SB 868 (Jackson) Page 1 of ? Estimated ongoing costs, potentially in the range of $300,000 to $500,000, for additional staff to administer and oversee state functions related to drone operations, including coordination with state, federal, local, and private entities, conducting training activities, and updating rules and regulations as necessary. These costs could be higher to the extent Caltrans exercises its authority to act as an enforcement entity (including additional costs for personnel to undergo specified peace officer training), or to participate in specified legal actions that involve state interests related to unmanned aircraft systems. (State Highway Account) Minor costs for Office of Emergency Services (OES) staff to coordinate with Caltrans in developing rules and regulations regarding drone operations near critical infrastructure. (General Fund) Minor and absorbable costs to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to manage enforcement and permitting issues regarding the operation of drones within airspace over the state parks system or the lands and waters managed by DFW, respectively. (Special funds) Author Amendments: Clarify that the bill applies to both general law and charter cities. Specify that exceptions related to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) authorized drone operations are by FAA permit, license, or rule. Specify that prohibited operations near critical infrastructure would be designated by Caltrans rules or regulations adopted in consultation with OES, rather than through direct OES rules or regulations. Prohibit the operation of a drone, without authorization, in a manner that interferes with the safe operation of amusement parks or ski resorts, as specified. Delete provisions that authorize OES to adopt, amend or make rules and regulations to administer drone operations around critical infrastructure. SB 868 (Jackson) Page 2 of ? Delete the requirement for OES to coordinate activities with other public entities and to keep a copy of all rules and regulations on file with the Secretary of State, and to provide for the publication and general distribution of those items. -- END --