SB 868 Summary: State Remote Piloted Aircraft Act

• Establishes the State Remote Piloted Aircraft Act to regulate remote piloted aircraft (drones) in California, including conditions for operation, licensing, and safety requirements.

• Prohibits operation of remote piloted aircraft within 500 feet of critical infrastructure, 1,000 feet of heliports, and five miles of airports without consent or FAA authorization; also prohibits operation within 500 feet of the State Capitol and state legislative buildings.

• Requires commercial operators to maintain liability insurance or proof of financial responsibility in amounts established by the Department of Transportation; prohibits weaponized remote piloted aircraft and operations that interfere with manned aircraft.

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation to adopt rules and regulations governing remote piloted aircraft operations and designates department officers to exercise arrest powers for enforcement; allows peace officers to enforce the act.

• Establishes penalties as infractions with fines up to $250 or misdemeanors with up to six months jail and/or fines up to $1,000 for violations.