Assemblymember Ed Chau Statement on Governor’s Budget Proposal

On January 7th Assemblymember Ed Chau (D – Monterey Park) released the following statement upon announcement of the Governor’s 2016-2017 State Budget proposal:

“It’s been a tough road escaping the murky economic scenarios of the past, but when I read about our growing budget reserve and surplus, it is a refreshing sign that California continues to move in the right direction.

“As a Legislator, and former school board member, who believes in access to a great public education, I am very pleased to see the Governor prioritize investments in this area by increasing per student spending in K-12, and keeping tuition flat for CSU and UC students. Other meaningful investments include a funding increase for our court system, some of which is geared toward expanding language access services in civil proceedings, and a cost-of-living increase for aged, blind and disabled Californians who have not received one in a decade.

“While today’s budget announcement puts us at a good starting point, I look forward to future discussions on smart investments that will strengthen the middle class, lift people out of poverty, and prepare for the future by building upon the Rainy Day fund for a brighter California.”

Assemblymember Ed Chau Introduces Bill to Prevent Drone Hit and Run Accidents

On January 13th Assemblymember Ed Chau (D-Monterey Park), newly appointed Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection, today introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1662, to protect people from ‘hit and run’ drone accidents as recreational drones become more prevalent. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that nearly one million drones were sold during the holiday season.

“When you cause an accident in your car, California law says you have to stay at the scene and give the injured party and the police your identification,” said Assemblymember Chau.  “If you lose control of your drone and someone gets hurt – or someone else’s property gets damaged — then you should have the same duty to go to the scene of the accident, give your name and address, and cooperate with the police.”

In September 2015, an 11-month-old baby was injured in Pasadena, California, when a hobbyist’s drone crashed on the ground near a stroller causing shrapnel to fly into the baby’s head.  According to news reports, the 24-year-old drone hobbyist, who was using his drone to view a nearby public screening of The Princess Bride, did the right thing by rushing over to the accident scene to help. But such a response is not required by law, and the incident was only one of many drone crashes and near misses reported in recent months.

“Unfortunately, as the number of drones in the air will only increase in the coming years, we are going to see more and more accidents,” said Assemblymember Chau.  “And even with world-class safety features and training, accidents are still going to happen, just like on our roadways.  If a drone breaks down, runs out of power or crashes into something, the operator needs to do the responsible thing and come forward and identify himself to the victim and to the police. This bill will make that responsibility the law.”

Assemblymember Ed Chau represents the 49th Assembly District, comprised of the communities of Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City and portions of Montebello, and South El Monte.