Vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits the use of unmanned aircraft systems by law enforcement and public agencies.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a law enforcement agency from using an unmanned aircraft system without a warrant, except in certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following situations (Sec. 2):
• In an emergency situation that presents an imminent threat to  life, including, but not limited to, fires and hostage crises;
• In order to assess the need for first responders in situations relating to traffic accidents; and
• In order to inspect state parks and wilderness areas for illegal vegetation or fires.

• Authorizes a public agency that is not primarily a law enforcement agency to use an unmanned aircraft system without a warrant to achieve the “core mission” of the agency, if the following conditions are met (Sec. 2):
• The purpose is unrelated to the gathering of criminal intelligence; and
• The images, footage, or data obtained are not used for any other purpose.

• Requires a public agency to destroy any images, footage, or data obtained with an unmanned aircraft system within 1 year, unless the images, footage, or data are being used for certain purposes, including, but not limited to, the following purposes (Sec. 2):
• For training or academic research;
• For monitoring material assets owned by the public agency; and
• For use as evidence in any pending litigation if the information was obtained with a warrant.

• Prohibits an individual or entity, including a public agency, from equipping an unmanned aircraft system with a weapon or other device that is intended to cause injury, death, or property damage (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text