[HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below

[Larry Krainson]

Good points Rich.


Larry Krainson
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On Thu, Nov 21, 2019 at 5:19 PM Rich at powder-hound.com <Rich at powder-hound.com>
wrote:

> Hello Everyone,
>
> I'm all for taking the steps to ensure adequate protections exist for
> amateur radio operators. However, I don't think there is much of a issue
> here. The state cannot make two-way radios illegal to use while operating a
> motor vehicle. That would disrupt the operation of police, fire, ems,
> public transport, etc....
>
> GPS navigation devices are excluded from the bill, so long as they are
> "mounted". Leave that up to interpretation. Never mind the fact that all
> new autos for sale today include screens integrated into the dash.
>
> There is always a need to be concerned about the unintended consequences
> of new legislation. Distracted driving, in general, is already covered
> adequately with existing legislation. Mainly the laws that dictate road
> rules and driving privileges as they relate to obtaining a drivers license.
>
> Overall, I think this is not a very good law. I understand the need but,
> the issues that exist as a result of smart-phones can be addressed with
> existing legislation.
>
> If anything, this law will probably create a hell of an obstacle for our
> friends in law enforcement.....it is pretty common practice for law
> enforcement to use cell phones vs radio...for what that's worth.
>
> In summary, I don't think we have to worry about radio operation. We are
> licensed operators and the equipment is intended and certified for the use.
> That said, distracted driving is a very real issue. If you are distracted
> by the use of amateur radio while operating a motor vehicle on a public
> road, well, you are not acting in the best interest of the common good and
> probably should be reprimanded. Those reprimands can be issued through
> existing laws. No need for new laws.
>
> Stay safe everyone.
>
>  73,
>
> KB1WDW
>
>
>
> --- computercare at comcast.net wrote:
>
> From: Larry Krainson <computercare at comcast.net>
> To: HCRA Email List <hcra at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below
> Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:51:56 -0500
>
> ______________________________________________
> -------Hampden County Radio Association-------
> -----------e-mail list (reflector)-------------
> ______________________________________________
> Everyone now is the time to start writing and act upon this ASAP:
> *MA Distracted Driving Bill, Call to Action* Based on information we have
> recently received, it may be time to contact your State Representatives
> concerning the MA Distracted Driving Bill.
>
> Over the weekend, Ray, KB1LRL and Tom, K1TW posted on both the WMA and EMA
> websites the following news item:
> https://wma.arrl.org/
>
> https://ema.arrl.org/2019/11/16/ma-lawmakers-announce-surprise-agreement-on-distracted-driving-legislation/
> Concerns are being raised across the section's asking what the impact this
> bill has on amateur radio in the state.  Since the hands-free bills were
> first filed, Eastern Massachusetts ARRL State Government Liaison, Hank
> W4RIG, has  been closely coordinating with Senator Bruce Tarr, who is the
> Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader and a radio amateur.
> Previously the Senator’s office reported to Hank that Amateur Radio
> operation would not be impacted by earlier versions of the bill. With the
> hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for a
> vote, I asked Hank to contact the Senators office once again.  Hank reports
> he has been in touch with the staff at Senator Tarr’s office and with these
> most recent changes they can no longer confirm there will be no impact on
> amateur radio mobile operation.
> My understanding is the problem results from the substitution in the final
> text from committee of “mobile electronic device” in place of “mobile
> telephone”. In the original wording, the definition of a mobile telephone
> in Massachusetts General Law specifically excludes amateur radios and
> citizen band radios.  The definition in Massachusetts General Law of
> “mobile electronic device” does not contain any exclusion for amateur
> radios and citizen band radios.
> Senator Tarr’s office said they are trying to correct this. This may be an
> appropriate time to contact your Massachusetts Representative and Senator
> politely asking them to incorporate the same words to exclude amateur radio
> from the revised bill as was previously contained in the definition of
> mobile telephone.
> This website will help you find contact information for your State
> Legislators if you do not already have it:
> https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator
> 73, Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL SM WMA Tom Walsh K1TW SM EMA
> -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL
> Western Massachusetts Section Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, KB1LRL
> kb1lrl at arrl.org
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