This may or may not be old news, but I thought it worthy of a post since many of us reside in this lovely state (including 3DR):
http://sd20.senate.ca.gov/news/2012-12-03-senator-padilla-introduces-bill-regulate-drones-california
http://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB15
While I am hopeful that this doesn't result in a blanket restriction of all personal RC's with cameras, etc, recent fear-mongering trends in the media have me thinking pessimistically.
I encourage anyone who could be affected (remember: how CA goes, goes a lot of the US - especially concerning the media and film industry) to consider writing to this state senator. http://sd20.senate.ca.gov/contact
Positive reinforcement from this community could go a long way in setting up the fledgling non-military UAV industry for the long run.
Comments
Looks like Oregon is ahead of California here - I sincerely hope this is not a trend indicator.
Darrel and Shannon, It may well be that some horrid piece of Draconian legislation doing far more to suppress individual rights rather than protect them might result from our somewhat socialist California government.
But the simple fact of the matter is that is not at all in evidence from what has been said here.
The considerations are reasonable and they are not expressed (yet) with the widespread paranoia widely perpetrated by the media.
This is not a statement at all of what they will do, at this point merely a consideration that they feel it is going to be their responsibility to do something.
Now is the time where we can voice our considerations (preferably in a positive manner) and have some hope of being heard before legislation is passed.
I absolutely abhor unnecessary government interference or legislation of pretty much all types as we always become a bit less free, but the first time somebody has a quadcopter fall on their head or a picture of a senator with his secretary show up on You Tube there is going to be enormous fallout.
It is no coincidence that Texas where the river contaminated with blood from the slaughterhouse was first brought to the public's attention is also the place planning to ban use of cameras in drones.
If we don't face this and deal with it rationally now, that option will be removed from us later.
@Darrell
If you think California legislation for UAVs is going to be in any way 'reasonable,' then you may not be familiar - in California we have an ongoing contest among all politicians to see who can score the most laws each term - doesn't mater what kind of law, or if it serves any intelligible purpose - just as long as they keep passing them, they will get reelected.
Exhibit #1 - chilling how many hilarious & senseless laws this one senator has managed pushed through in 6 years:
http://sd20.senate.ca.gov/legislation
@ Peter. Fair enough, although I don't think anyone would consider our current govt to be wise and all knowing :)
It just seems that more and more of your states are trying to ban something they don't really understand and that could bring so much good.
I sent an email. As a Wisconsin resident, it may not hold much weight but it's worth a try. Thanks for raising the issue.
Did I miss something, I read the literature linked in the article and while it presents some concerns it doesn't seem to actually state any specifics about laws or controls other than to indicate that it might formulate some.
It also presents some level of understanding that legitimate uses are important.
And it references photo based restrictions in accordance with existing law and rights to privacy.
I do think that this is an opportunity for us to have a positive input into the formulation of reasonable regulations rather than being surprised when Draconian ones result.
At this point at least in this process it seems a reasonable dialogue might be possible and that positive interaction could provide a more reasonable final outcome.
It's still a shame - many people outside America look up to your entrepreneurial zeal and these kinds of laws will just stifle it, at least as far as UAVs go.
Oregon has a anti drone bill Senate Bil 71 that they are trying to push through that basically bans all FPV and all sorts of other UAV.. making it the same as drunk driving if you get caught with one.
What is up with lawmakers!! we have laws in place that prevent privacy violations! all of these proposed bills and passed sole purpose is privacy, which is already laws in place!
I think the MPAA should be all over this.. hopefully