Amateur Antenna Bill Introduced in Arkansas

NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 20, 2001--Arkansas has joined the list of states considering Amateur Radio antenna bills. Arkansas Section Manager-Elect Bob Ideker, WB5VUH, reports that House Bill 2314 was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly earlier this month by Rep Dean Elliott.

Ideker says he's optimistic about the bill's chances. "We were successful in our attempts of getting processes for ham license plates more easily done, our phone patch repeaters changed from a business rate to a residential rate, and I think we'll be equally as successful in these new legislative attempts too," he said. "I'm very proud of what we are accomplishing and for all of the help and support our hams have provided in the efforts of getting this Bill through the process."

The bill remains to be heard by the Arkansas House City, County and Local Affairs Committee, which has been meeting each Wednesday. Ideker says the bill is in a long list of measures awaiting committee consideration and that it might not be known in advance if HB 2314 will come up for hearing at a given committee session. "We really don't know when it will be discussed and have to assume each committee meeting that it could come up," he said. The committee's action will determine if the measure goes to the full House for further consideration.

In addition to calling on communities to "reasonably accommodate" Amateur Radio antennas in line with the limited federal preemption known as PRB-1, the bill calls for a graduated schedule of minimum regulatory height limits depending on population density. HB 2314 stipulates that municipalities may not restrict ham antennas less than 200 feet in areas with a population density of 120 people or fewer per square mile; less than 75 feet and on a lot smaller than an acre in areas with a population density of more than 120 people per square mile; or less than 140 feet and on a lot one acre or larger in areas with a population density of more than 120 people per square mile.

In line with PRB-1 wording, the bill would not restrict communities from imposing requirements to meet "clearly defined objectives relating to screening, placement, aesthetics, and health and safety factors."

A copy of HB 2314 is available on the State of Arkansas page. (8069 bytes, PDF file)

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