Drone Enthusiasts Say Reasonable Regulation, Not Bans, Are Answer

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A bill banning drones from flying over private property is gaining momentum in the California legislature, but drone operators are wondering if the effort is a waste of time.

Sen. Hanna-Beth Jackson of Santa Barbara County says drones bring up serious privacy concerns.

"They're being used both productively, but also in a way that is a threat to our public safety," she said. "You're not allowed to jump over your neighbor's yard without their permission, the same thing should apply to a drone."

Jackson says peeping toms could use the devices the wrong way.

Sean Wendland is a drone pilot and educator with Drone Nationals. He says most people who fly drones do so in a safe way that doesn't invade people's privacy.

"It was pretty surprising to the community though," he said of Jackson's bill.

Wendland says drones are a lot like skateboards when they first came out—they created a lot of backlash and many people wanted them banned everywhere. But that eventually changed.

"It's a giant sport; it's on TV," he said. "That's where this is headed."

He says as drones become more popular and pervasive, the state should be working on education and reasonable regulation.

"We have to have some common sense regulations, because these are now accessible to everybody, you can get them at the store," he said.

Several other states have successfully passed bills limiting drone use.