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Assembly committee advances bill banning drones within 400 feet of large outdoor ticketed events
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Summary
The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism moved AB 2113 to Appropriations after author Assemblymember McKenner and supporters said the measure closes a public-safety gap by prohibiting unauthorized drone operations within 400 feet of outdoor ticketed events of 1,000+ attendees; proponents and some industry groups agreed to continue negotiations on exemptions and technical fixes.
Assemblymember McKenner asked the committee to advance AB 2113, saying the bill would close what she called a public‑safety gap created as recreational drone use rises around concerts, festivals and sporting events. "AB 2113 responds to this gap by establishing a clear and straightforward rule that prohibits the operation of a drone within a 400‑foot radius of a ticketed entertainment event held at an outdoor venue capable of accommodating 1,000 or more attendees," McKenner said.
The measure would make unauthorized drone operation inside that zone a $500 infraction and would exempt authorized operators, venue employees and utility workers, according to McKenner. The bill’s sponsor and witnesses said the intent is to give local law enforcement a statutory basis to stop unsafe drone operations over dense crowds when federal processes are impractical.
Josh Stevens, senior manager of government affairs for Live Nation, testified the company supports the bill and urged a layered federal‑state approach to event safety. "Last year alone, we welcomed over 150,000,000 fans to Live Nation events across 54,000 concerts," Stevens said, and he told the committee that federal temporary flight restriction procedures often do not cover many of the events Live Nation operates.
Industry groups generally supported the safety aim but raised technical concerns. Sabrina Lockhart of the California Attractions and Parks Association said the group would support the bill if amended to protect amusement‑park operations, noting that rides create particular safety risks if struck by a drone. Jose Torres of TechNet said he appreciated the bill’s intent but warned the 400‑foot zone could inadvertently bar valid commercial drone activity near urban stadiums — for example, building inspections or real‑estate photography — and asked the author to consider carve‑outs.
Committee members questioned enforcement. Assemblymember Jeff Gonzales asked how officials would identify and hold drone operators accountable; Stevens replied that the bill creates an enforceable prohibition but that mitigation and identification would require training, equipment and federal coordination.
The committee moved AB 2113 to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The chair announced the committee initially recorded a 7‑0 vote and held the roll open for absent members; the bill was later reported out of committee by roll call with a final recorded tally of 9‑0.
The author said she will continue to work with stakeholders on technical amendments before the bill reaches the floor.
