California's jail system is entangled enough...and governor Jerry Brown doesn't want to create new crimes that would only add to the disarray.
That's part of the reason why Brown vetoed three bills that would have prohibited civilians from flying drones over wildfires, schools and prisons and have them pay stiff fines and even face jail time, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
"Over the last several decades, California's criminal code has grown to more than 5,000 provisions covering every almost conceivable form of human misbehavior," Brown wrote in his veto message, as obtained by the Times. "During the same period, our jail and prison populations have exploded. Before we keep going down this road, I think we should pause and reflect how our system of criminal justice could be made more human, more just and more cost-effective."
California Senator Ted Gaines (R-Rocklin) introduced the bill to prohibit drones from flying over wildfires, contending that they have already interfered with firefighting aircrafts.
If the bill would have passed into a law, civilians flying drones over wildfires would be fined up to $5,000 and face up to six months of jail time. In addition, emergency workers would be granted immunity in the case they damage the drones in such a situation.
Gaines also introduced a bill to prevent drones from flying over schools, citing that they violate students' privacy. A third bill would have also banned drones from flying over prisons and jails, arguing that they could be used to drop contraband into prison yards.
Brown, though, wasn't hearing any of it over the weekend, when he vetoed those and six other bills that would have created new crimes.
Gaines was disappointed by Brown's vetoes.
Disappointed @JerryBrownGov chose to veto my drone bills. Our laws must keep up w/growing drone tech or else all of our safety is at risk.
— Ted Gaines (@TedGaines) October 3, 2015
Agree with Brown's decision?
