[FCARC] H.B. 158

[Craig Szczublewski]

Since many of you inquired about the status of this bill at the last club 
meeting, I thought I would forward you an update from the ARRL Ohio Section mail 
list:

STATEHOUSE HAPPENINGS..

H.B. 158 Poised for Final Approval

Our antenna legislation, H.B. 158 has now passed a floor vote in the
Ohio House of Representatives and has been passed by the Senate Local
Governments and Veteran’s Affairs Committee. It is now awaiting
approval by the Ohio Senate. While we thought that vote might take
place this week it did not, and there is currently no scheduled Senate
floor vote. Because of minor differences between the version passed by
the House and the version we anticipate being approved by the Senate,
the House will be asked to concur in the Senate changes before the
final measure is sent to Governor Kasich for signature.

The delays should not be considered as a negative, as there has not
been a great deal of legislation passed in recent weeks, and the fact
that our Bill is delayed is not unusual in that context. And while it
would be nice to present the final legislation at Dayton, we have
absolutely no control over the legislative schedule.

What we can control, however, is the public perceptions of amateur
radio. Our legislation has been presented and approved as a measure to
enhance homeland security and emergency communications. Indeed, many
would say that is our only basis for claiming exclusive access to a
large segment of spectrum that many others would like to have for
commercial purposes. We can, and should not only emphasize that purpose
in our comments about amateur radio but also in our personal commitment
to the hobby.

It is essential that we obtain final passage of this Bill before the
end of this calendar year. If we don’t, our efforts must begin anew
in 2013 and all of the progress made thus far would be lost. We are
monitoring the progress on an ongoing basis, and if an extra “push”
from the membership is necessary you will be hearing from us with
requests for calls, letters and emails to your local legislators. We
will notify you if any significant developments take place. Thanks and
73.

Nick, K8NAP
State Government Liaison


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Craig Szczublewski - KD8KBU