CA AB1524

Extends indefinitely provisions that were set to expire January 1, 2013, excluding hot air balloon operators from commercial air carrier regulations under the Public Utilities Code.

Requires hot air balloon operators for hire to maintain minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance for up to 10 passengers, plus $100,000 additional coverage per passenger for balloons carrying more than 10 passengers.

Mandates hot air balloon operators to obtain and display local business licenses where required and provide annual certificates of insurance to local governments.

Makes it a misdemeanor to operate a hot air balloon for hire without required insurance coverage or without obtaining and maintaining a valid local business license.

Exempts the state from reimbursing local agencies for costs associated with enforcing these requirements, citing local authority to levy fees and the creation of new criminal penalties.