This post is about the #ARRL efforts to shepherd HR1094 and S459 through Congress. These are identical bills that will give ham radio operators the same rights that TV owners have, and limit restrictions on antennas by local governments and HOAs. This is for all hams, not just League members.
Background-over 80% of new construction in the US is part of an HOA. Universally, HOAs ban rooftop antennas. Laws were passed that protect the right to have a TV antenna, but ham radio has not been covered by those rules.
Bills similar to these have been proposed before, but always without significant legislature support or lobby pressure, and have been presented as riders to other legislation, which has been their death.
This time, the ARRL has employed two major lobbying firms, one for each side of the aisle. They have found a lot of support on the Hill for both bills. At this point, the legislators involved are telling the lobbyists to prove there is support for the bills.
The lobbying companies together have created a plan to demonstrate that support. They have created a website where US Licensed hams can enter a call sign. They verify the call, then generate THREE letters, one to the local rep in the House, and one to each Senator representing that ham.
The lobbyists have arranged meetings, and will print ALL the generated letters from the site, and present them in person to the legislators involved. It is all automated on our end.
4/7 This is NOT a campaign to reach out to ARRL members. It is directed to ALL hams with a US FCC Part 97 license. Additionally, all ham radio clubs nationally are being given letters from the lobbyists to customize for their club, then returned to the lobbyists for presentation.
Our part as hams is simply to go to this link, enter your call and click a button. You can preview the letter and the bills if you wish. That’s it.
Make sure any other hams you know see this.
Here’s the link:
If you are in a club, if it’s an ARRL affiliate your local Section Manager should contact you. If it’s unaffiliated or if you don’t hear from your SM, EMAIL ME at keith@w6kme.org. It’s not about getting clubs to affiliate with the league; I don’t care. It’s about getting the same rights for hams that all other citizens enjoy.
Walking into a congress person’s office with thousand of printed letters from THEIR constituents is good theater that works. I admit I was impressed and surprised that the League pulled this off. They are following up with a social media blitz, interviews with Youtubers (Josh has what, 400,000 followers now?)
Keith W6KME
Leave a Reply