Weapons: robotic devices.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide details on enforcement mechanisms.

Rules on Robotic Weapons

The bill makes it illegal to operate robotic devices with weapons attached and sets fines for breaking the rule, but allows exceptions for certain researchers and government workers.

What This Bill Does

• Makes it against the law to use a robot that has a weapon on it.
• Says people who break this rule will have to pay a fine between $100 and $2,000.
• Does not apply to government officials or researchers working for organizations making robots for the government if they can prove their work is related to such research.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who use robots with weapons attached
• Government workers and researchers

Terms To Know

Robotic device

A machine that can move on its own, like a robot.

Weapon

Something used to hurt or harm others, such as guns or knives.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what happens if someone breaks the rule by accident.
• It is unclear how this law will be enforced and who will check for violations.

Official Summary Text

SB 93, as amended, Weber Pierson.
Weapons: robotic devices.
Existing law makes it a crime to possess a destructive device. Existing law makes it a felony to possess material with the intent to make a destructive device or explosive without obtaining a permit to do so.
This bill would prohibit a person from operating a robotic device, as defined, equipped or mounted with a weapon, as defined. The bill would make a violation an infraction punishable by a fine of at least $100 but not more than $2,000. The bill would exclude specified persons, including a government official acting within the scope of their employment and a person acting within the scope of their employment by an organization that is researching, developing, testing, or manufacturing the robotic device for government
use.
use, if the person can demonstrate that they are researching, developing, testing, or manufacturing the robotic device for that purpose.
By creating a new infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF