[K3CAL] FW: Reply from Senator Cardin

[N3AE]

Nice. 

Much better than the response I got, which is none so far. 

Shawn 
N3AE 

----- Original Message -----

From: "David Hardy via K3CAL" <k3cal at mailman.qth.net> 
To: "Calvert Amateur Radio Association - K3CAL" <k3cal at mailman.qth.net> 
Cc: "David Hardy" <davehardy0101 at aol.com> 
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2016 10:29:25 AM 
Subject: [K3CAL] FW: Reply from Senator Cardin 



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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