[W2CRA] Fwd: NEWS FLASH re the text messaging bill

[Walter O'Brien, WO2U]

Who says we can't win one now and then!

The NJ State Legislature has just passed Senate Bill S-1099, formerly  
known as House Bill A4146, which, as originally worded would have  
make talking in your car over "a wireless communications device" a  
primary ticket offense. Which means, the police could STOP you just  
for using that, and it WOULD have included amateur radio mobile  
communications.

Thanks to a letter writing campaign AND a few well placed personal  
communications thanks to upper level folks at the ARRL and some NNJ  
and SNJ clubs, the bill that just passed 68 to 12 INCLUDES AN  
EXEMPTION FOR AMATEUR RADIO!

So, thanks to everyone that took the time to send a letter to their  
representative to save our mobile operations.

And for those of you that said it wouldn't help, now you know better!

73 Walter O'Brien WO2U

  - - - - - - - - -

Here's the note just sent out by Hudson Division Director Frank  
Fallon, N2FF:

The NJ State Legislature passed Senate Bill S-1099

Yes - 68
No - 12

Here's the Link to the wording
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/S1500/1099_R2.HTM

Which includes the following wording:

"For the purposes of this section, an "electronic communication
device" shall not include an amateur radio.

Thanks to NNJ SM, Bill Hudzik, W2UDT and his team for getting the
letters and phone calls that made the difference.  Bill and I both
suggest that you cary a copy of that bill in your glove compartment
along with a copy of your FCC license to avoid any possible problems.

Have a great safe Field Day!!!

de N2FF.......