BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular Session
SB 868 (Jackson) - State Remote Piloted Aircraft Act
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|Version: April 26, 2016 |Policy Vote: T. & H. 7 - 2, |
| | PUB. S. 5 - 2 |
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|Urgency: No |Mandate: Yes |
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|Hearing Date: May 27, 2016 |Consultant: Mark McKenzie |
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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
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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
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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.
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