San Diego

California Governor Vetoes Bills Criminalizing Use of Drones

Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed bills aimed at controlling the operation of drones.

The three bills were sponsored by Sen. Ted Gaines, R-Roseville.

One would have made it an infraction for people to fly drones over public schools when classes are in session. Exceptions could be made for law enforcement, news media and people with a school's permission.

Another would have given firefighters immunity for disabling hobbyist drones flying over emergency situations. Drones flying over San Diego-area fires and other Southern California fires have hampered and in some cases stalled firefighting efforts. 

Drones forced the landing of planes deployed to fight the so-called North Fire in Southern California that burned cars and homes along the 15 Freeway in July, delaying response to the frightening blaze, officials said.

Air drops over a brush fire in San Bernardino County came to a temporary halt days later, when firefighters encountered a recreational drone, fire officials said.

The third bill would have made it a misdemeanor to intentionally fly a drone over a prison or jail.

In a veto message issued Saturday, Brown indicated California's criminal code, with more than 5,000 laws on the books, already has become too complex without adding more laws that he says would provide little benefit to the public.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us