PRESS RELEASE

Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act Re-Introduced

Legislation Will Increase Communication Options During Natural Disasters
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Richard Blumenthal, D- Conn.,
and Representatives August Pfluger, R-Tex., and Joe Courtney, D-Conn. announced their joint
re-introduction of legislation in the Senate and House to restore the right to Amateur Radio
operators to install the antennas necessary to serve their communities.

Homeowner association rules often prevent Amateur Radio operators from installing antennas at
their homes even though Amateur Radio has proven to be essential in emergencies and natural
disasters such as hurricanes when other means of communication fail.

“Mississippians should have access to every possible means of warning for natural disasters,
including amateur radio operators. In an emergency, those warnings can mean the difference
between life and death,” Senator Wicker said. “The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness
Act would remove unnecessary roadblocks that could help keep communities safe during
emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires.”

“When disaster strikes, amateur radio operators provide vital, often life-saving information,
which shouldn’t be hindered by prohibitive rules or confusing approval processes. The Amateur
Radio Emergency Preparedness Act eliminates obstacles for ham radio enthusiasts, allowing
them to continue their communications and serve their communities in the face of emergencies,”
said Senator Blumenthal.

“Natural disasters and other emergency situations that hinder our regular lines of communication
are unfortunately unavoidable, which is why we must bolster our emergency preparedness by
removing the barriers amateur radio operators often run into when installing antennas. Amateur
radio plays a vital role in public safety by delivering critical information to people at all times. My
district is home to dozens of amateur radio operators ready to volunteer in the event of an
emergency, and I am proud to lead this legislation,” said Congressman August Pfluger.
“As we know from recent natural disasters, amateur radio operators in Connecticut can be a
critical component of disaster response and emergency management. It is in our communities’
best interest that we give them the capabilities to operate at the highest level, and with the re-
introduction of this bill, we’ve taken a strong step in that direction,” said Congressman
Courtney.

Background:

The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025 would require homeowner
associations to accommodate the needs of FCC-licensed Amateur Radio operators by prohibiting
the enforcement of private land use restrictions that ban, prevent, or require the approval of the
installation or use of Amateur Radio station antennas. Homeowner associations have often
prevented installation and use of such antennas through private land use restrictions. This has
hindered voluntary training for emergency situations and blocked access to necessary
communications when disaster strikes.
Among other provisions, this legislation would:

• Prohibit homeowner association rules that would prevent or ban Amateur Radio
antennas;
• Specify an approval process for installing Amateur Radio antennas;
• Provide a Federal private right of action to Amateur Radio operators in disputed cases.
On behalf of America’s Amateur Radio licensees, Rick Roderick, the President of The American
Radio Relay League, re-confirmed the ARRL’s full support for the passage of the Amateur Radio
Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025 and extended his thanks and appreciation to Senators
Wicker and Blumenthal and Congressmen Pfluger and Courtney for their unflagging leadership
of the bi-partisan effort to support and protect the rights of all Amateur Radio Operators.