[ARRL-OK] SB-389

[Lloyd Colston]

arrl-ok-request@mailman.qth.net wrote:

> 
> John,
> 
> Who Introduced the bill PRB-1?  Who are the OK Legislatures intrudcine this?
> 
> 73 Mark N7XYO
> 

Mark,

http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/

is the web site to use to track any legislation through the process.

SB-389 poses, IMO, some harm to amateur radio operators.  This bill, if 
passed in its current form, may prohibit amateur radio operators from 
installing even the most primitive of antenna supports without a permit 
from the Department of Environmental Quality.  As you are aware, these 
antennas are necessary for the support of our Citizens during a 
disaster, ex. the ice storm of a few years back.

The bill is sponsored by Shurden in the Senate and Leist in the House.

IMO, the bill needs verbiage to exempt licensed amateur radio operators. 
  For example,

C.	No provision in this bill shall prohibit licensed amateur radio 
operators from installing towers on their own property so far as the 
structures are permitted by current zoning ordinances.  Communities are 
required to accomodate, in the greatest possible manner, amateur radio 
operators registered and participating with their local emergency 
management agency and/or the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

D.	No structures in place when the bill is passed will be required to 
submit to the provisions of the bill.

That verbiage would do two things.  One it would grant the greatest 
protection to the amateur radio operator while, at the same time, 
fostering a support to the local EMA.  At the same time, it would foster 
protection to existing structures.

I would encourage each person to contact their legislator, in writing 
and by phone, to encourage some minor change to the bill.  You can find 
your legislator by clicking the bottom link of the middle section of the 
page mentioned.

Just my two cents.

Let me know how more I can help.



-- 


Lloyd Colston		Mayes County CEM
Pryor, OK USA		http://www.geocities.com/mccem
    When Danger comes, it is too late to plan.