 Previous: Radio Magic |  Next: Ham Radio Assists Relief Effort as Claudette Hits Texas Coast |
NEWINGTON, CT, Jul 15, 2003--Efforts over the past couple of weeks by proponents of California's Amateur Radio antenna bill apparently paid off when Gov Gray Davis signed Assembly Bill 1228 July 14. The measure, which cleared both houses of the legislature with unanimous votes, will incorporate the essence of the limited federal preemption known as PRB-1 into California law.
"Amateur Radio's message got through 'the pileup' in Sacramento," said ARRL Southwestern Division Director Art Goddard, W6XD. "Thanks to all the hams in California who wrote cards, letters and e-mails urging their representatives and their governor to pass this legislation,"
In a statement, Davis cited the "thousands of hours of volunteer service" Amateur Radio operators donate in support of state and local government. "They are an important part of our public safety network," the governor said.
Davis said ham radio volunteers "play a crucial role" in times of disasters or emergencies. "By providing a reliable communication system during an emergency situation, such as a terrorist attack, Amateur Radio stations provide an invaluable service to the state of California," Davis added.
AB 1228 was sponsored by freshman Assembly member Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga). Mike Mitchell, W6RW, spearheaded the Amateur Radio community's efforts to promote the bill--the first piece of legislation Dutton sponsored to pass the legislature and get the governor's signature.
"Great news that Governor Davis signed AB 1228!" Mitchell said. "Congratulations to the hams of California!"
Goddard expressed similar elation upon learning that Davis had signed the bill. "This bill will give hams in California a fighting chance to have reasonable antennas," Goddard said. "Kudos to Assemblyman Bob Dutton and his staff for shepherding this bill through the Local Government Committees and the floors of both houses of the California legislature without a single dissenting vote."
Goddard said California's Amateur Radio community also owes its appreciation to Mitchell for being "our sparkplug" on the bill. He also cited ARRL staffer Dean Straw, N6BV, and Pacific Director Bob Vallio, W6RGG, for representing the bill's proponents during public hearings.
The measure won approval of the California Assembly April 10 on a 67-0 vote and passed the state Senate June 25 on a 38-0 vote. On June 30, the California Assembly, on a 77-0 vote, concurred with changes in language that the Senate had made in the legislation.
The bill went to Davis for his signature on July 3, and Goddard and Vallio promptly mounted a campaign to have amateurs contact Davis and urge him to sign AB 1228. Davis had vetoed a similar bill in 2000, in part citing the cost for studies the legislature had required in conjunction with the measure. The 2003 bill contained no such provisions. Davis is also now facing the strong possibility of a recall election.
AB 1228 incorporates the language of PRB-1 into the statutes of California. It would require any ordinance regulating Amateur Radio antenna structures not to preclude but to "reasonably accommodate" Amateur Radio communications, to allow amateur station antenna structures "at heights and dimensions sufficient to accommodate Amateur Radio Service communications" and to constitute "the minimum practicable regulation to accomplish the legitimate purpose of the city or county."
The most ham-populated state in the US, California becomes the 20th state to adopt PRB-1 legislation. The state is home to some 100,000 amateur licensees--almost 15 percent of the US total.
A copy of the measure is available on the California Legislature Web site.
| Previous: Radio Magic | Next: Ham Radio Assists Relief Effort as Claudette Hits Texas Coast |