Rhode Island PRB-1 Bill Put into Legislative Hopper

NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 31, 2000--Hank Grilk, WA2CCN, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, has found himself in a situation of dubious envy--a bit like the dog who chases cars and finally catches one. Now, what does he do with it? Several months ago, Grilk took it upon himself to write Sen Jonathan F. Oster, who represents the district where he lives, to request state legislation that supports PRB-1, the limited federal pre-emption.

Much to his surprise, Oster wrote him back to let him know that he'd introduced a bill, 2000-S 2304, in late March in Rhode Island's General Assembly. Now, Grilk figures the ball is in his court to drum up enthusiasm and support for the bill among the Ocean State's amateur community. The measure would prevent localities from enacting or attempting to enforce zoning restrictions or prohibitions against the installation or use of towers "and/or antennas" by Amateur Radio licensees that would make effective radio communication "difficult or impossible."

The Rhode Island bill specifies a minimum 50-foot tower height. Grilk says Oster came up with that number on his own. "I'm incredibly impressed with the responsiveness of Sen Oster on this matter, and I certainly want him to know that he has the support of Rhode Island's amateurs," Grilk said this week. "I don't have a clue about how he came up with the 50-foot idea."

Grilk now is soliciting comments from Rhode Island hams on whether to leave that figure in the bill or to propose something different. A former ARRL Headquarters staff member, Grilk also has sought assistance from ARRL in seeing the bill over the legislative hurdles that lie ahead.

So far, ten states have PRB-1 laws in place. New York and Kansas also are considering PRB-1 bills.

Rhode Island hams may contact Grilk at hgrilk@worldnet.att.net or write him at 1 West Butterfly Way, Lincoln, RI 02865.

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