HB 822 -- AMATEUR RADIO ANTENNA REGULATIONS

SPONSOR:  Rector (Luetkemeyer)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Communications, Energy and Technology by a vote of 18 to 0.

This bill prohibits political subdivisions from enacting or
enforcing any ordinance that does not comply with the limited
preemption of the Federal Communications Commission Amateur Radio
Preemption order.  Any ordinance relating to the placement,
screening, or height of an amateur radio antenna based on health,
safety, or aesthetic considerations must reasonably accommodate
amateur communications and be of minimal practicable regulation.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and
FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill implements protections
for amateur radio operators so that they can put up their
antennas in certain areas of the state, allowing them to continue
communicating during emergencies, thereby protecting citizens.
They do not receive any compensation for the service they
provide, and their operations do not conflict with the
communications industry.  They assist the National Weather
Service in storm spotting.  They also assess damage and work with
the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Office of
Homeland Security, and the United States Department of Defense.
Last year, amateur radio operators were valuable during the
tornado season.  In an emergency, cell phone towers and telephone
lines can be incapacitated, but amateur radio operators are still
able to communicate.  They are extremely important to the welfare
of Missourians, which is often underestimated.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Luetkemeyer and
Selby; American Radio Relay League; American Radio Relay League
Emergency Coordinator for Camden County; Amateur Radio Emergency
Service; Richard Crockett; and Rodger Volk.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:13 am