[K3CAL] FW: Reply from Senator Cardin

[David Hardy]

This the reply I got from sending a petition to Sen. Cardin to sign the
Amateur Radio Parity Act.

 

 

David Hardy

KB3RAN

CARA Interim President

 

 

 

From: Senator Ben Cardin - Do not reply to this message
[mailto:senator at cardin.senate.gov] 
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2016 9:31 AM
To: davehardy0101 at aol.com
Subject: Reply from Senator Cardin

 

          Thank you for your letter supporting the Amateur Radio Parity Act,
which would require that private land use restrictions reasonably
accommodate outdoor antennas for radio communication.  You and other amateur
radio operators provide an important public service on a volunteer basis, in
Maryland and across the nation.  I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on
this important legislation with me. 

          Amateur radio operators play a vital role in assisting emergency
communications efforts when other channels of communications fail.  In
recent years, operators in local, state, and national organizations have
been crucial in maintaining effective communication during emergency
situations, including on September 11, 2001, and in the aftermath of
Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.

          Existing FCC rules require that land use regulations issued by
state or local governments must reasonably accommodate amateur radio
communication.  This is based on the FCC's finding that a strong Federal
interest exists in supporting effective amateur radio communication.  The
Amateur Radio Parity Act, which has been introduced in both the Senate and
the House of Representatives, would extend this requirement to private land
use regulations, such as those created by a homeowners' association. 

          I was pleased to hear that discussions between the bill's
sponsors, Congressional staff, and stakeholders representing amateur radio
operators and community associations resulted in agreement on a compromise
amendment to the bill.  As amended, the bill would still require community
associations to make reasonable accommodations for amateur radio
communications, so long as operators notify their community association
before installing an antenna, place the antenna on their own property, and
follow reasonable limits on antennas' height and size.  This compromise
addresses concerns raised by community associations, increasing the bill's
prospects for final passage, while ensuring that amateur radio enthusiasts
who live in deed-restricted communities will still be able to operate and
engage in their hobby.

          The Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee favorably
reported S. 1685 last November and the House of Representatives passed its
version of the bill (H.R. 1301) last month, so I think the bill's prospects
in the lame duck session are encouraging.  I will certainly keep your views
in mind if the full Senate considers the measure next month, which seems
likely.  

          Thank you again for sharing your perspective with me, and for the
valuable service that you provide as an amateur radio operator.  Please do
not hesitate to contact me again regarding this, or any other matter of
concern to you. 

  
 

 
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