Unmanned aircraft: state and local regulation: limitations.

Existing law prohibits a person from knowingly and intentionally operating an unmanned aircraft system on or above the grounds of a state prison, a jail, or a juvenile hall, camp, or ranch. Existing law provides a state or local public entity or employee with immunity as to any person engaging in hazardous recreational activity, as defined, and for damage to an unmanned aircraft while the local entity or employee is providing emergency services. Existing law defines "unmanned aircraft" and other terms for purposes of these provisions. Existing federal regulations, adopted and administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) , regulate the operation of unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. Existing federal regulations generally preclude enforcement of these regulations by state or local entities, except in certain areas such as police use, and prohibiting use for voyeurism, following consultation with the FAA. This bill would, among other things, prohibit a state or local agency from adopting any law or regulation that bans the operation of an unmanned aircraft system. The bill would also authorize a local agency to adopt regulations to enforce FAA regulations regarding the operation of unmanned aircraft systems and would authorize local agencies to regulate the operation of unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems within their jurisdictions, as specified. The bill would also authorize a local agency to require an unmanned aircraft operator to provide proof of federal, state, or local registration to licensing or enforcement officials. The bill would authorize a local entity to designate a recreational operating area for unmanned aircraft operation. The bill would immunize a local entity that designates such a recreational are from liability for injury or damage associated with unmanned aircraft operation, if specified signage is posted. The bill would define terms for purposes of these provisions.