Unmanned aircraft systems.

Existing federal law, the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, provides for the integration of civil and public unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, into the national airspace system. This bill would generally prohibit a law enforcement agency from using an unmanned aircraft system, obtaining an unmanned aircraft system from another public agency by contract, loan, or other arrangement, or using information obtained from an unmanned aircraft system used by another public agency, except as authorized by the provisions of this bill. The bill would make its provisions applicable to all law enforcement agencies and private entities when contracting with or acting as the agent of a law enforcement agency for the use of an unmanned aircraft system. The bill would authorize a law enforcement agency to use an unmanned aircraft system, obtain an unmanned aircraft system from another public agency by contract, loan, or other arrangement, or permit another law enforcement agency to use an unmanned aircraft system within the agency's jurisdiction, if the law enforcement agency complies with specified requirements, including, among others, that before the use of an unmanned aircraft system, the law enforcement agency develops a policy on the use of the unmanned aircraft system that meets specified requirements, as provided, and that the law enforcement agency complies with all applicable federal, state, and local law and the policy adopted pursuant to these provisions. The bill would prohibit a law enforcement agency from using an unmanned aircraft system to surveil private property, unless the law enforcement agency obtains a search warrant or express permission to search the property, as specified, or an exigent circumstance exists. The bill would require any images, footage, or data obtained through the use of an unmanned aircraft system under these provisions to be permanently destroyed within one year, except as specified. Unless authorized by federal law, the bill would prohibit a person or entity from equipping or arming an unmanned aircraft system with a weapon or other device, as specified. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also provide that specified surveillance restrictions on electronic devices apply to the use or operation of an unmanned aircraft system by a law enforcement agency. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.