Larry Klein
Mayor
Linda Sell
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
June 4, 2025
T
he Honorable Diane Dixon
California Assembly
1021 O Street, Suite 5330
Sacramento, CA 95814
R
E: AB 426 (Dixon): Impeding Emergency Response with Drone – SUPPORT D
ear Assemblymember Dixon:
O
n behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, we want to express our support of AB 426. This bill would prohibit individuals from operating or using unmanned aerial vehicles, remote - piloted aircraft, or drones at the scene of an emergency and thereby impeding firefighters, peace officers, medical personnel, military personnel, or other emergency personnel in the performance of their fire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response duties.
T
he City of Sunnyvale’s Public Safety Department, an FAA -approved operator of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), utilizes drones to enhance services in the community.
Equipped with advanced imaging tools such as high- resolution cameras, zoom capabilities, and night vision features; as well as the ability to carry payloads like high- intensity spotlights, drones are important tools for emergency responders. They play a critical role in Sunnyvale’s emergency operations including hostage negotiations, search and rescue, and fire response. While Sunnyvale embraces the potential that drones bring, we also recognize the risks posed by their irresponsible use.
T
his summer, during California’s peak fire season, CalFire was forced to ground aircraft after a civilian drone damaged a water tanker aircraft. While the City of Sunnyvale supports a responsible use of unmanned aircraft to support emergency response, the misuse of civilian aircraft must be addressed. This bill empowers local governments to safeguard our communities and protect first responders during of emergency operations.
T
his bill aligns with the City of Sunnyvale’s General Plan Chapter 6 – Goal SN-3, Policy SN-3.1, SN-3.2. For these reasons, we support AB 426. Thank you for consideration of Attachment 11
The Honorable Diane Dixon, State Assembly
June 4, 2025
our position. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Ava Fanucchi , Interim Director of Public Safety, at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab
Assembly Member Patrick Ahrens
City Council
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Ava Fanucchi, Interim Director of Public Safety
Attachment 11