[HCRA] Fwd: Re: [YCCC] Does this affect us?

[Daniel Sullivan]

ok here is the article and the replies I was waiting for the OK on.

AA1TE/4







----Original Message Follows----
From: Tom Frenaye <frenaye@pcnet.com>
To: Daniel Sullivan <djs13@hotmail.com>, *** YCCC *** <yccc@yccc.org>
Subject: Re: [YCCC] Does this affect us?
Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2003 17:59:32 -0400


There is a bill in the Mass legislature that was hung up in committee for a 
long, long time.  Not sure yet if it will effect hams or not.  See message 
below from Shawn/K3HI (EMA State Government Liaison).

                 -- Tom


At 04:49 PM 6/17/2003 +0000, AA1TE  wrote:
 >I posted this to the Hampden County list so I am sorry for those who are 
getting it twice. Just wondering if anyone in MA might be able to address 
this.
 >
 >Proposed bill seeks to prohibit conversations on the roadways
 >By Mac Daniel, Globe Staff, Globe Correspondent, 6/17/2003
 >http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/168/metro/Teen_drivers_may_lose_phones+.shtml

 >From: "Shawn O'Donnell" <shawn@userstudy.com>
 >To:
 >Subject: RE: [sgl:8] FW: H2489.
 >Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 17:07:57 -0400
 >
 >
 >Thanks for the message on H-2489.
 >
 >This year, there are five(!) bills in the Massachusetts legislature on the 
use of cell phones while driving.  The Public Safety Committee has reviewed 
similar bills in recent years, but has never forwarded any of them for 
debate and a vote.  Until now.
 >
 >I will have to find out which bill, with what edits, has been passed by 
the committee.
 >
 >As for an exemption for amateur radio--I've looked into this before, and 
there is a problem already.  The current Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts 
General Laws has an exemption for using a CB radio while driving, but for 
none for other radio services.  So it may already be illegal for hams to 
operate while driving.  It's probably illegal for the police to do so, as 
well, so we're in good company.
 >
 >We've been waiting for this bill to make progress before bringing much 
attention to the issue.  Now that it is going to be debated more broadly, we 
should put together a case for an exemption for other radio services, 
including ours. If it's going to pass, we want it to pass with an exemption 
for us.  I've been in contact with the staffers on the Public Safety 
committee, and I'll find out what kinds of information we can feed them to 
help make our case.
 >
 >We should be ready to start a contact-your-representative campaign in the 
event that the legislature starts to move on this issue.  I'll forward 
suggestions for what people can write as soon as we learn more.
 >
 >--Shawn, K3HI
 >EMA SGL

=====
e-mail: k1ki@arrl.org   ARRL New England Division Director  
http://www.arrl.org/
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, P O Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444

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