Asm. McKinnor’s Bill Banning Drones Above Outdoor Entertainment Events Awaits Senate Decision

July 28, 2026

California Assemblymember Tina McKinnor is pushing forward legislation that would ban unauthorized drones from flying within 400 feet of major outdoor ticketed entertainment venues. The proposed bill, which has received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Assembly and passed a Senate committee, would allow local law enforcement to enforce airspace restrictions at venues with at least 1,000-person capacity, with violators facing $500 fines. McKinnor emphasizes the legislation addresses both public safety concerns and intellectual property protection for artists, particularly as California prepares to host the 2028 Olympics.

Who is affected

Attendees at large outdoor ticketed entertainment events (concerts, festivals, sporting events)
Artists and performers whose intellectual property may be at risk
Unauthorized drone operators who would face fines
Live Nation Entertainment and other venue operators
Local law enforcement responsible for enforcement
Legitimate commercial drone operators (cargo transportation, infrastructure inspection services)
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) members
Residents of California State Assembly District 61
Future attendees of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in California

What action is being taken

Assembly Bill 2113 is progressing through the California legislature (passed Senate Public Safety Committee and was referred to Senate Appropriations Committee)
McKinnor's office and sponsors are engaging with stakeholders and conducting discussions
AUVSI is negotiating with McKinnor's office to add exemptions for commercial drone operations
McKinnor has accepted amendments to narrow the bill's scope and add exemptions for authorized operations

Why it matters

This legislation addresses a critical public safety gap created by the increasing prevalence of drone technology at venues where thousands of people gather in confined spaces. The bill is particularly significant as California prepares to host major international events like the 2028 Olympics, where security concerns are heightened. It also protects artists' intellectual property rights from unauthorized drone recording while establishing clear state-level authority that enables local law enforcement to act, filling a void between federal airspace regulation and ground-level public safety responsibilities. The legislation balances federal authority over airspace with practical enforcement capabilities at the local level.

What's next

AB 2113 must clear the Senate Appropriations Committee before the Legislature's August 31 deadline to remain active
McKinnor's office and AUVSI continue working to develop language that distinguishes between disruptive drone use and legitimate commercial operations
AUVSI has requested the committee not support the bill until exemption language is finalized

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint