[W8MWA] Amateur Radio Parity Bill

[Werntz, Carl]

Greetings,

A few weeks ago I wrote to Senator Manchin, who sits on the involved Committee, in support of the amateur radio parity act.  (treating amateur antennas the same as satellite dishes, in that they can be managed, but not forbidden, by homeowner associations)

Got the attached response from our Senator.

Carl

From: Senator Manchin [mailto:donotreply at manchin.senate.gov]
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 3:52 PM
To: Werntz, Carl <cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu>
Subject: Responding to your message


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Dear Dr. Werntz,



Thank you for contacting me to express your support for S. 1685, the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015. Hearing from West Virginians is very important to me, and I appreciate your input on this issue.



On September 19, 1985, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released PRB-1, an Amateur Radio Memorandum Opinion and Order. As you may know, PRB-1 directs local governments to reasonably accommodate amateur radio operations, while allowing them to zone for height, safety, and aesthetic concerns. Often, covenants, conditions, and restrictions are placed on properties by builders or homeowner associations that can restrict the erection of antennas. The Amateur Radio Parity Act would direct the FCC to extend the "reasonable accommodation" guidelines of PRB-1 to those who live in these deed-restricted communities.



Licensed amateur radio operators transmit, on a volunteer basis, valuable public service and emergency communications - at no cost to the taxpayer - and I believe the Amateur Radio Parity Act strikes a balanced approach that considers the interests of both radio operators and homeowners. That is why, on November 18, 2015, I voted in favor of this legislation during a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Please know that I will keep your views in mind should S. 1685 come before the full U.S. Senate for consideration.



Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me, and I hope that you will continue to share your views with me going forward. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact my office.



With warmest regards,

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Joe Manchin III
Unites States Senator



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