Weapons: robotic devices.

Senator Weber Pierson's proposal to regulate weaponized robotic devices in California establishes new restrictions on operating robots equipped with weapons while carving out specific exemptions for research, education, and government activities.

The legislation creates an infraction-level offense for operating any robotic device mounted with weapons capable of causing death, incapacitation, or serious injury - including firearms, stun guns, chemical agents, and explosive devices. Violations would result in fines ranging from $100 to $2,000. The bill defines robotic devices as mechanical systems capable of autonomous or remote-controlled movement, including mobile robots, unmanned ground vehicles, and unmanned aircraft.

Several categories of activities remain permitted under the proposal. Government officials acting within their official duties may continue to operate weaponized robots, as may organizations researching and developing such devices for government use. The bill also exempts academic researchers at California higher education institutions, participants in supervised robot competitions using non-firearm weapons, and entertainment industry personnel using prop weapons during productions. All exempted activities must incorporate reasonable safety precautions for participants and observers.

The measure explicitly avoids regulating government procurement or operation of robotic devices while establishing a framework for civilian use. Local agencies would implement enforcement through existing law enforcement structures without requiring state reimbursement for associated costs.