CA AB2043

Establishes the Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force within the Office of Emergency Services by January 1, 2027 to develop statewide strategy protecting mass gatherings, critical infrastructure, and soft targets from drone attacks

Task force membership includes representatives from CHP, CAL FIRE, California National Guard, State Threat Assessment Center, privacy advocates, local law enforcement, Major League Baseball, NFL, UC/CSU systems, LA28 Olympics, and FIFA

Authorizes the task force to develop response plans, conduct risk assessments, create standard operating procedures, and coordinate with federal agencies on drone detection and mitigation

Permits training programs for first responders including scenario-based exercises simulating threats like swarming drones or drones equipped with payloads

Declared an urgency statute requiring 2/3 vote to take immediate effect upon passage due to evolving public safety threats from unmanned aircraft systems