Utah Governor Signs Amateur Radio Antenna Bill
NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 24, 2003--Utah Gov Michael Leavitt has signed that
state's Amateur Radio antenna bill. The bill unanimously passed a third
reading in the Utah Senate February 14 on a 23-0 vote, less than a month
after it was introduced. It had earlier passed the Utah House on a 65-8
vote. Leavitt signed the bill March 15. It becomes effective May 5, 2003.
"Thanks to the hams who originated the bill and defended it in its
committee hearings," said a comment on the Utah Amateur Radio Club's
"News About UARC and Ham Radio in Utah" Web site.
"Thanks also to those who contacted their state senators and
representatives and helped assure passage."
Sponsored by Rep Neal B. Hendrickson, HB 79, "Regulation of Amateur
Radio Antennas," prohibits municipalities and counties in Utah from
enacting ordinances that fail to comply with the limited federal
preemption known as PRB-1. The measure will require that local ordinances
involving placement, screening or height of an Amateur Radio antenna that
are based on health, safety or aesthetics "reasonably accommodate
amateur radio communications" and "represent the minimal
practicable regulation to accomplish the municipality's purpose."
ARRL Utah Section Manager Mel Parkes, AC7CP, has credited Mike Davis,
KD7FQD, and John Hanson, KI7AR, for developing the bill and getting
Hendrickson to sponsor it. A copy of the legislation is available on the
Utah State Legislature Web site.
Utah becomes the 17th state to enact an Amateur Radio antenna bill. PRB-1
bills are under consideration in several other states, including New
York, New Jersey and California. For more information about PRB-1, visit
the ARRL Web site's Antenna Restrictions page.
Page last modified: 03:49 PM, 24 Mar 2003 ET
Page author: awextra@arrl.org
Copyright © 2003, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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