Missouri Antenna Bill Gets "Do Pass" Committee Recommendation

NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 25, 2004--An Amateur Radio antenna bill now in play in the Missouri General Assembly has received a favorable committee recommendation. Introduced in January by Republican Rep Blaine Luetkemeyer of St Elizabeth, the measure--House Bill 822--has several cosponsors. They include Harold Selby, KA0WXX--the only Amateur Radio operator in the Missouri House. HB 822 would incorporate the language of the limited federal preemption known as PRB-1 into Missouri's statutes. ARRL Missouri Section leadership spoke in support of the bill when it came up for hearing late last month.

"The Committee in general was receptive to the bill, and, after a few questions, testimony ended," said ARRL Missouri Section Manager Dale Bagley, K0KY. "There was no opposition to the bill by any group or individual at the hearing." Missouri Section Traffic Manager Dale Huffington, AE0S, also testified at the February 24 hearing before the Missouri House Communications, Energy and Technology Committee. On March 10, HB 822 was reported out of committee with a "do pass" recommendation.

"So far, so good," Bagley said. A PRB-1 bill in the 2001 Missouri legislative session failed. So far, 20 states have passed Amateur Radio antenna bills based on PRB-1, which is codified in §97.15 of the Amateur Service Rules.

The latest measure would prohibit municipalities from enacting or enforcing ordinances that fail to comply with PRB-1. "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," the bill states.

The bill had two readings in the Missouri House before it was referred to committee. More information on HB 822 is on the Missouri General Assembly Web site.

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