SB 93: Weapons: robotic devices.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

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, 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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 2, 2026Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. May 23, 2025May 23 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
3. May 16, 2025Set for hearing May 23.
4. April 21, 2025April 21 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
5. April 8, 2025Set for hearing April 21.
6. April 3, 2025Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
7. April 2, 2025From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0. Page 610.) (April 1).
8. March 18, 2025Set for hearing April 1.
9. March 5, 2025Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
10. February 25, 2025From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.
11. January 29, 2025Referred to Com. on RLS.
12. January 23, 2025From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 22.