Unmanned aircraft systems.

Existing federal laws and regulations regulate the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) , also known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft. Existing federal laws and regulations require the registration of certain UASs, require commercial operators of UASs to be licensed, prohibit the operation of UASs above specified altitudes and within specified distances of an airport, prohibit nighttime operation, and require a UAS to remain within the sight of the pilot. Existing California law prohibits the use of a UAS to interfere with emergency personnel or operations at the scene of an emergency. Existing law also creates a civil cause of action against a person who enters the airspace above the dwelling of another and captures images or other recordings, as specified. This bill would make it an infraction to operate an unregistered UAS that is required to be registered under federal law. By creating a new infraction, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. 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.