02/14/2024

On January 30, 2024, US Senators Roger Wicker (MS) and Richard Blumenthal (CT)
introduced S.3690[1], the Senate companion bill to H.R.4006, introduced last
June[2]. Both bills reflect the Congressional campaign efforts by ARRL  The
National Association for Amateur Radio[3]¿ to eliminate homeowner association
land use restrictions that prohibit, restrict, or impair the ability of an
Amateur Radio Operator to install and operate amateur station antennas on
residential properties they own.

Amateur Radio Operators repeatedly are relied upon to provide essential
communications when disaster strikes, but their ability to do so is being
impaired by the exponential growth of residential private land use restrictions
that hinder their ability to establish stations in their homes with which to
train and provide emergency communications when called upon.

In announcing the introduction of S.3690, Senator Wicker said: "Because
communication during natural disasters is often hindered, we should be making
every attempt to give folks more options. Reliable access can make the
difference between life and death in an emergency. Our legislation removes
roadblocks for amateur radio operators looking to help their friends, families,
and neighbors."

In a similar announcement, Senator Blumenthal stated: "Our measure will help
clarify the rules so ham radio enthusiasts can successfully continue their
communications. In the face of emergency or crisis, they help provide vital,
life-saving information that allow listeners to properly and safely respond,
but prohibitive home association rules and confusing approval processes for
installing antennas have been an unnecessary impediment. The Amateur Radio
Emergency Preparedness Act resolves these bottlenecks and ensures that radio
operators can function successfully."

ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and Director John Robert Stratton, N5AUS,
Chair of the ARRL's Government Affairs Committee, both extended on behalf of
ARRL, its Members, and the Amateur Radio community their thanks and
appreciation for the leadership of Senator Wicker and Senator Blumenthal in
their continuing efforts to support and protect the rights of all Amateur Radio
Operators.

[1] https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3690/text
[2] https://www.arrl.org/news/legislation-to-remove-private-land-use-restrictions-on-amateur-radio-introduced-in-congress
[3] http://www.arrl.org/

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