Unmanned aircraft.

Senator Wahab's comprehensive drone regulation measure establishes new restrictions on unmanned aircraft operations across multiple sectors in California, from insurance inspections to critical infrastructure protection. The legislation prohibits residential property insurance companies from using drones for property inspections and requires 120 days' notice before policy termination if violations are found through drone surveillance.

The bill creates new infractions for operating drones near critical infrastructure, including refineries, power plants, and dams, with fines up to $1,000. Similar restrictions apply to drone flights within 50 feet of specific state buildings in Sacramento, including the State Capitol grounds. Law enforcement, emergency services, and authorized operators remain exempt from these provisions.

For educational facilities, the measure makes it a misdemeanor to operate drones above school property with intent to monitor or threaten safety, while doubling fines to $1,000 for drone operations over state prisons and juvenile facilities. The Joint Rules Committee must establish implementation policies in consultation with the California Highway Patrol to enforce these new regulations.

The provisions governing insurance inspections take effect May 1, 2025 and sunset January 1, 2028, while other sections become operative upon enactment. Local agencies and school districts bear enforcement costs without state reimbursement under California's constitutional requirements for state-mandated programs.