September 29, 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a number of bills targeting the model aircraft community. This includes legislation that would require geo-fencing and drone identification, and prohibit the operation of UAS over state managed land and waters. The specific bills vetoed by the Governor were AB 2148, AB 2724, AB 2320, and AB 1662.
Working alongside our allies and members, we were able to put a stop to this legislation that would have negatively impacted our longstanding hobby. Technology, like geo-fencing, is a helpful tool, but it is not a substitute for educating operators on how and where they should or shouldn’t fly their drones or model aircraft.
Governor Brown said that the bill mandating geo-fencing would create “significant regulatory confusion by creating a patchwork of federal, state, and local restrictions on airspace,” and we couldn’t agree more.
This victory does not mean that our advocacy efforts at the local level are over, as other states and municipalities are considering legislation similar to the bills vetoed by Governor Brown. We will continue to work with and educate state and local legislators to ensure the protection of our longstanding hobby.
Open season on unmanned aircraft with the passage of SB807? Here is how my local community feels about SB807 which is one of the 2 unmanned aircraft bills the Governor signed. A unnecessary bill that is perceived by the media and the public to declare open season om unmanned aircraft. I especially like the comment by the public.
https://www.auburnjournal.com/article/9/30/16/california-bill-signed-governor-shoot-down-drones-fires-has-placer-source
Gary – talk about paranoia; this is a perfect example when humans go ape ( no offense intended to the ape kingdom ). By-the-way; a correction to the spelling of Governor Jerry Brown in my post below. I mistyped it Gerry instead of Jerry.
Talk about over-kill by those paranoid about our passion for model aviation; well here’s one for the books. Good to know Governor Jerry Brown knows better and has the fortitude to stand-up against it. Now it’s time for other leaders to take the common-sense leadership displayed by Governor Gerry Brown.