A watered down version of a bill designed to reduce drone interference with emergency response efforts has been signed by Governor Brown. It’s sponsored by Nevada County’s State Senator Ted Gaines. It’ll grant civil immunity for a firefighting agency, air ambulance, or search-and-rescue group that damages an unmanned aircraft during their operations. But the legislation no longer includes increased criminal penalties for drone operators, which was the main reason Brown vetoed it last year. Cal Fire Public Information Officer Daniel Berlant says drones have been an increasing concern, with ownership spiking way up…

click to listen to Daniel Berlant

Berlant says there have also been a growing number of incidents in this region…

click to listen to Daniel Berlant

Berlant says they will still have to ground air tankers before removing a drone, but the new law will protect them from liability, if they happen to damage one. He says he’s not aware of any drones being damaged. In July, a drone operator was arrested for interfering with the Trailhead fire in Foresthill.