Technology (Emerging Technology)

SB 519 prohibits unauthorized drone operation over school property, including public, private, and tribal schools, as defined in the bill. Exceptions allow drone use with school board authorization or for specific law enforcement purposes like search/rescue operations, locating escaped prisoners, or preventing imminent danger. Violations carry a $5,000 penalty, and law enforcement must seize drone footage related to violations for transfer to the appropriate agency. The bill directly affects drone operators near schools and clarifies enforcement procedures for such incidents.

AB 575 prohibits all state agencies and local governmental units (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using facial recognition technology or its data, except to identify their own employees for employment-related purposes. The bill defines facial recognition technology as an automated system that compares camera footage of faces against databases to find matches. It directly affects government entities that currently use or plan to use this technology for public services, law enforcement, or other operations. The law creates a clear ban on its use for public identification, with only the narrow exception for internal employee verification.