ARRL Legislative objectives for the 112^th Congress 

The ability of the Amateur Radio Service to maintain and expand its benefits to the public rests on two key elements of public policy: adequate access to the radio spectrum and the ability to install and operate effective Amateur Radio stations.

To implement these two key elements of public policy in the 112th Congress, the following legislative positions were developed and approved by the ARRL Board  to guide the efforts of ARRL volunteers and staff during the 112th Congress of the United States (2011-2012).

Objective #1: The ARRL seeks legislation to extend the requirement for “reasonable accommodation” of Amateur Radio station antennas and antenna support structures (requirement that now applies to state and local regulations) to all forms of land use regulation.

Objective #2: The ARRL opposes legislation that would lead to the reallocation of amateur spectrum or to sharing arrangements that reduce the utility of existing allocations.

Objective #3: The ARRL opposes legislation that diminishes the rights of federal licensees in favor of unlicensed emitters or encourages the deployment of spectrum-polluting technologies.

Objective #4: The ARRL seeks recognition of the unique resources, capabilities and expertise of the Amateur Radio Service in any legislation addressing communications issues related to emergencies, disasters, or homeland security.

Objective #5: The ARRL supports the complementary legislative objectives of other radiocommunication services, particularly the public safety and scientific services that require spectrum access and protection from interference for noncommercial purposes that benefit the public.

Objective #6: The ARRL opposes “distracted driving” legislation that does not clearly exempt two-way mobile radio transmitters or receivers used by licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service.

Objective #7: The ARRL supports The FCC Commissioners’ Technical Resources Enhancement Act to ensure that Commissioners have adequate access to technical expertise when making decisions.”