[FCARC] Fwd: Another hurdle jumped for Ohio House Bill 158 (aka "PRB-1 for Ohio")

[Craig Szczublewski]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Another hurdle jumped for Ohio House Bill 158 (aka "PRB-1 for Ohio")
Date: 	Wed, 9 May 2012 09:03:23 -0400 (EDT)
From: 	ARRL Members Only Web site <memberlist at www.arrl.org>



The amateur radio antenna legislation, H.B. 158 passed another milestone
on Tuesday, May 7, when the Ohio House of Representatives overwhelmingly
approved amendments passed by the Ohio Senate. The Bill has now been
passed by both the Ohio House and the Ohio  Senate and will be
forwarded to Governor Kasich for signature.  Barring a voter
referendum, the Bill will become law ninety days after Governor
Kasich’s signature.  With passage of this law Ohio joins over 26
other states that have adopted legislation similar to FCC regulation
PRB-1 requiring local zoning authorities to provide reasonable
accommodation for amateur radio antennas.  The Senate amendments
removed language establishing an antenna height of 75 feet as a
presumed “reasonable” antenna height.  In its place H.B. 158, like
PRB-1, now requires “reasonable” accommodation for amateur antennas
without any specific height being mentioned.  A second consideration by
the House was necessary because of the differences between the versions
initially passed by the House and Senate. The House action this week
brings the two versions together and represents final approval by the
General Assembly.

No date has yet been scheduled for consideration of the Bill by
Governor Kasich, but we hope that he will act quickly to approve this
legislation.  As recognized by both the FCC and now by the Ohio General
Assembly, amateur radio plays an important Homeland Security role as an
emergency communications service in times of emergency. We hope that
this new law will assist Ohio’s radio amateurs in carrying out that
role when called upon.  Additional details will be provided when
available.

73,

Nick Pittner, K8NAP
Ohio State Government Liaison

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ARRL Ohio Section
Section Manager: Frank Piper, KI8GW
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