The Electronic Freedom Foundation (EFF) is cheering the failure of two anti-drone bills before the California legislature this session. The two bills—A.B. 1820 and S.B. 868—were designed to curtail commercial drone activities and address safety concerns about "weaponized" drones. But A.B. 1820 was far too broad in scope, among it's many proposed restrictions to the use of … [Read more...] about Anti-Drone Bills Crash in California
State Drone Laws
Hempstead’s Anti-Drone Proposal: Possession = Guilt
Despite the FAA's best efforts to reign in local anti-drone laws, the ordinances proposed get crazier and crazier - like the latest from the town of Hempstead, NY. Hempstead is a populous town on Long Island - one that apparently does not like drones. In a new proposal for a "Drone Ban" the town seeks to eliminate drone use anywhere on in the town's public spaces. The … [Read more...] about Hempstead’s Anti-Drone Proposal: Possession = Guilt
LA Jury Votes “Not Guilty” in Drone Criminal Case
In a statement released on his blog yesterday, an LA filmmaker who was the first person to be charged under LA's anti-drone ordinance reported that the jury had ruled in his favor. Arvel Chappell III was both the first person charged under the anti-drone ordinance, and was the plaintiff in the first case to go to trial on a drone-specific criminal charge. California has … [Read more...] about LA Jury Votes “Not Guilty” in Drone Criminal Case
State Drone Law: Who’s Next?
While the FAA claims ultimate authority over regulating drones in the NAS, local governments continue to discuss state drone law. Earlier this month, FlightGlobal published an interview with a former FAA Administrator who says that he fear the "patchwork quilt" of state drone regulations is growing - much of it based on misinformation and crafted by lawmakers who do not … [Read more...] about State Drone Law: Who’s Next?
Why CA is the Worst State for Drones
Commentary. Lawmakers in CA seem to be doing their best to kill the booming drone industry, making CA the worst state for drones in the country. When the 2016 FAA Reauthorization package was under discussion in the Senate last month, one of the most vocal naysayers was CA Senator Dianne Feinstein, who took the argument that states should have the right to form their own … [Read more...] about Why CA is the Worst State for Drones
