Caucus debates bill to bar drones within 1 mile of ticketed events; members seek clarity on exemptions and scope

A presenter summarized SB 11 60 to caucus members, saying the bill prohibits operating a civil unmanned aircraft within one mile of or above a ticketed entertainment event unless specified exemptions apply. The presenter described exemptions for employees of the ticketed event and noted that the bill is limited to ticketed events.

Representative El Contreras supported the public-safety rationale, noting large drones with blades were a concern at a recent motorsports event in her district and arguing the bill would bring parity across events. She said the goal is public safety and protection of attendees, and that drones can carry items or be used to surveil crowds.

Representative Pete Contreras and other members asked whether the bill would outlaw larger, organized drone shows used in entertainment. The presenter referred members to Title 13’s definition of "civil unmanned aircraft" (civil unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system operated for any purpose other than strictly hobby or recreational use) and said exemptions exist if the operator is an employee of the ticketed event and has permission from the event coordinator. The presenter said the bill was limited to ticketed events and would not affect nonticketed public spaces.

Members noted examples such as university drone shows that have replaced fireworks and sought clarity on whether those events would remain permissible; the presenter said exemptions for event employees would allow authorized drone operations. Several members expressed interest in further technical clarification of size or operational limits, and no formal vote on the exemption language was recorded in the public caucus.

The transcript records questions and back-and-forth seeking details but no final caucus action in the public session; members said they would continue discussion offline or in caucus.