California 2023-2024 Regular Session Status: In Committee 1 D cosponsors

AB 79 — Weapons: robotic devices and unmanned aircrafts.

Last action — From committee: Without further action pursuant to Joint Rule 62(a).

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Assembly
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2023-2024 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Existing law makes it a crime to possess a destructive device. Existing law makes it a felony to possess material with the intent to make a destructive device or explosive without obtaining a permit to do so. This bill would prohibit a person from knowingly manufacturing, modifying, selling, transferring, or operating a robotic device or unmanned aircraft that is equipped or mounted with a weapon, as specified. The bill would make a violation punishable by a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $5,000. The bill would authorize the Attorney General to bring an action to remedy a violation. The bill would exclude certain entities from these provisions including, among other entities, a defense industrial company that obtains a permit from the Department of Justice, as specified. By creating a new infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Bill Text

Action History

  1. From committee: Without further action pursuant to Joint Rule 62(a).

  2. In committee: Set, final hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.

  3. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  4. From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.

  5. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  6. From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.

  7. In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.

  8. In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.

  9. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  10. From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.

  11. Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  12. Read first time.

  13. Introduced measure version corrected.

  14. From printer. May be heard in committee January 15.

  15. Introduced. To print.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 121 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (121)

121 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety technology
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Frequently asked questions

What does AB 79 do?
Existing law makes it a crime to possess a destructive device. Existing law makes it a felony to possess material with the intent to make a destructive device or explosive without obtaining a permit to do so. This bill would prohibit a person from knowingly manufacturing, modifying, selling, transferring, or operating a robotic device or unmanned aircraft that is equipped or mounted with a weapon, as specified. The bill would make a violation punishable by a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $5,000. The bill would authorize the Attorney General to bring an action to remedy a violation. The bill would exclude certain entities from these provisions including, among other entities, a defense industrial company that obtains a permit from the Department of Justice, as specified. By creating a new infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Who sponsors AB 79?
AB 79 is sponsored by Weber Pierson, M.D., Akilah (Democratic).
What is the current status of AB 79?
This bill died with 2023-2024 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track AB 79?
Track AB 79 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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