BILL NUMBER: SB 1704	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Chesbro

                        FEBRUARY 20, 2004

   An act to amend Sections 5500 and 5501 of the Public Utilities
Code, relating to commercial common carriers.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1704, as introduced, Chesbro.  Commercial air carriers:  hot
air balloons.
   Existing law requires the Public Utilities Commission to require
every commercial air operator, as defined, to procure and continue in
effect, adequate protection against liability for personal bodily
injuries and property damage as a result of an accident, that may be
imposed by law upon the operator and upon any person using,
operating, or renting an aircraft, as defined, with the permission of
the operator.
   This bill would exclude a corporation or person furnishing or
providing transportation by hot air balloon for entertainment or
recreational purposes from the definitions of commercial air operator
and aircraft.
   Vote:  majority.  Appropriation:  no.  Fiscal committee:  yes.
State-mandated local program:  no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Section 5500 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to
read:
   5500.  As used in this article, "commercial air operator" means
any person owning, controlling, operating, renting, or managing
aircraft for any commercial purpose for compensation.  
"Commercial air operator" does not include a person owning,
controlling, operating, renting, managing, furnishing, or otherwise
providing transportation by hot air balloon for entertainment or
recreational purposes. 
  SEC. 2.  Section 5501 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to
read:
   5501.  As used in this article, "aircraft" means any contrivance
used for navigation of, or flight in, the air.   "Aircraft" does
not include a hot air balloon furnished or providing transportation
for entertainment or recreational purposes.