CA AB1680

Expands Penal Code Section 402 to include operation or use of unmanned aerial vehicles, remote piloted aircraft, or drones at emergency scenes in the definition of "person" subject to misdemeanor penalties.

Makes it illegal for drone operators, regardless of their location, to operate or use drones at emergency scenes for the purpose of viewing the scene or activities of emergency personnel, if doing so impedes emergency response operations.

Maintains existing misdemeanor penalties for going to or stopping at emergency scenes to view activities of police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, or military personnel, unless viewing is part of the person's employment duties.

Clarifies that emergency includes conditions from fires, explosions, airplane crashes, flooding, windstorms, railroad accidents, traffic accidents, powerplant accidents, toxic spills, or other natural or human-caused events.

Specifies that no state reimbursement is required to local agencies or school districts because the bill only changes the definition of an existing crime.