[BARC-List] QST Massachusetts cell phone bill

[Michael Ardai]

 From the ARRL Massachusetts State Government Liaison...

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Here's a bulletin I've prepared on the cell phone. Please distribute
as you see fit. It sounds like they've fast-tracked this bill. It
requires our immediate attention.

--Shawn

QST Massachusetts amateur radio operators--

There is a bill making its way through Beacon Hill that would
restrict the use of cellular telephones while driving. You can read
the text of the bill, House 3679 (H-3679), on the Massachusetts
government website:

http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/185/ht03/ht03679.htm<http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/185/ht03/ht03679.htm>

While the bill does not explicitly prohibit the use of amateur radios
while driving, its definition of "cellular telephone" is rather
vague. Hams could easily get tangled in this broadly-cast net. It
is in our interest to ask the legislature to include an explicit
exemption in the law to permit amateur radio operators to use their
equipment while driving.

This bill appears to be on the fast track. After sitting around for
over a year, it is suddenly being rushed through the legislature. We
need to act quickly. It is still a few steps from becoming law, but
when a bill has been given the green light, it can move rapidly.
Hence the urgency.

If you don't know who your representative and senator are, go to
http://www.mass.gov/legis/<http://www.mass.gov/legis/>
and search by city/town or by ward/precinct. Or call your local
city/town hall for help.

When you call your rep, ask that H. 3679 be amended to explicitly
state that the new anti-cellular laws are not meant to apply to
Federally-licensed amateur radio operators. Also mention to your
representative and/or senator that, if these anti-cellular bills fail
due to opposition from the industry and/or cell phone users, you
would still appreciate any help they could offer to insure that the
amateur service is not painted with the same broad brush that's being
applied to cellular telephone users.

Feel free to mention amateur radio's public service aspect (as
spelled out in the Federal regulations that authorize the service,)
but don't get carried away. Do mention that training is essential to
the public service we provide, and that casual operation and training
exercises help prepare us for emergencies.

As always, remember to be polite with the people you speak with on
Beacon Hill. Be calm and make sure they record your opposition to
the bill as-is, and the nature of your request for an amendment.
The main number for the State House is 617 722 2000. You can find a
list of direct telephone numbers for legislators at
http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm<http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm>

Any questions or comments? Contact your ARRL Section Manager or the
League's State Government Liaison, K3HI.

Shawn O'Donnell, K3HI
ARRL Massachusetts State Government Liaison
k3hi at arrl.net<mailto:k3hi at arrl.net>
508 561 4045 (before 10PM)