Several lawmakers are taking steps to stop drones from interfering in battling California wild fires.
SB 167 would increase fines and make jail time possible for drone use that interferes with firefighting efforts.
And on Monday, Republican state Sen. Ted Gaines of El Dorado and Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Glendale also announced SB 168, which would grant immunity to emergency responders who damage drones during firefighting or rescue operations.
These measures are in response to a spate of recent incidents where drones grounded aircraft that were trying to fight the fires across the state.
When Gatto and Gaines introduced SB 167 earlier this month, they hoped to put teeth into standing state law that outlaws efforts to interfere with firefighters’ battling a blaze. Right now, a misdemeanor would cost you $1,000.
The proposed law would beef that up, charging offenders a lot more for interfering with firefighters and would consider jail time when a drone is used without permission.
