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California positioned to be second state with drone 'no-fly zones'

Jessica Paterson

  A bill to clarify where drones can fly in California is headed to the Governor's desk. 

Authored by local State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, the bill would prohibit unmanned vehicles--or drones--from flying over a person's property without their consent.

It would clarify existing trespass law to include drones, creating a 'no fly zone' of 350 feet.

KCBX spoke with Jackson earlier this summer.

"This is really a lot about the right of privacy-- the right to be free from being surveilled, by a stranger or by anyone without your permission," said Senator Jackson.

Senator Jackson said her bill has received plenty of bi-partisan support. However, there are some who oppose the bill. Groups like the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International said the bill overreaches and that it would make it nearly impossible for drones to operate or innovate.

The bill, as written, allows drones to fly freely over public spaces like roads, beaches or schools.

If signed, California would join Oregon as the only two states in the country to have drone legislation. 

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