Drone Regulation Debate Enters New Phase With Proposed FAA, California Rules
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The drone debate is reaching new heights as lawmakers look at strengthening laws for drone use.
Kyle Murphy started using drones a year ago to take pictures for Realtors, and he says since then, demand has really taken off.
The unmanned aircraft helps him make money and local Realtors sell homes.
"To see at a glance without people even having to walk through the house without them even having to visit the house," he said. "There's constantly just so much more things I'm hearing every week. I mean just the other day I was talking to somebody and he said they're using drone footage for chimney sweepers.
Currently, the United States bans almost all commercial outdoor usage of drones. But a new set of proposed rules by the Federal Aviation Administration is about to change that.
The rules say companies can use drones that weigh less than 55 pounds, as long as they stay in the line of sight.
Murphy says it opens the door to expanding his business.
"Those rules are probably the best thing I've seen since I've started doing drone flights," he said.
Days after the FAA's announcement, California lawmakers gathered to talk about how to make sure the state is ready for drones in the sky.
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation to keep drones from entering our backyards. She says she wants legislation that would protect privacy but also embrace technology.
Murphy says the sky is the limits for dorne use, and regulation will eventually catch up.
"I think some of the logistics definitely have to get worked out," he said. "I definitely think that you'll see drone usage in a lot of industries."