02/07/2025

Legislation Will Increase Communication Options During Natural Disasters

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Richard Blumenthal, D-
Conn., and Representatives August Pfluger, R-Tex., and Joe Courtney, D-Conn.
announced their joint re-introduction of legislation in the Senate and House to
restore the right to Amateur Radio operators to install the antennas necessary
to serve their communities.

Homeowner association rules often prevent Amateur Radio operators from
installing antennas at their homes even though Amateur Radio has proven to be
essential in emergencies and natural disasters such as hurricanes when other
means of communication fail.

"Mississippians should have access to every possible means of warning for
natural disasters, including amateur radio operators. In an emergency, those
warnings can mean the difference between life and death," Senator Wicker said.
"The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act would remove unnecessary
roadblocks that could help keep communities safe during emergencies like
tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires."

"When disaster strikes, amateur radio operators provide vital, often
life-saving information, which shouldn't be hindered by prohibitive rules or
confusing approval processes. The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
eliminates obstacles for ham radio enthusiasts, allowing them to continue their
communications and serve their communities in the face of emergencies," said
Senator Blumenthal.

"Natural disasters and other emergency situations that hinder our regular lines
of communication are unfortunately unavoidable, which is why we must bolster
our emergency preparedness by removing the barriers amateur radio operators
often run into when installing antennas. Amateur radio plays a vital role in
public safety by delivering critical information to people at all times. My
district is home to dozens of amateur radio operators ready to volunteer in the
event of an emergency, and I am proud to lead this legislation," said
Congressman August Pfluger.

"As we know from recent natural disasters, amateur radio operators in
Connecticut can be a critical component of disaster response and emergency
management. It is in our communities' best interest that we give them the
capabilities to operate at the highest level, and with the re-introduction of
this bill, we've taken a strong step in that direction," said Congressman
Courtney.

Background:

The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025 (H.R. 1094 and S. 459)
would require homeowner associations to accommodate the needs of FCC-licensed
Amateur Radio operators by prohibiting the enforcement of private land use
restrictions that ban, prevent, or require the approval of the installation or
use of Amateur Radio station antennas. Homeowner associations have often
prevented installation and use of such antennas through private land use
restrictions. This has hindered voluntary training for emergency situations and
blocked access to necessary communications when disaster strikes.

Among other provisions, this legislation would:


o Prohibit homeowner association rules that would prevent or ban Amateur
Radio antennas;
o Specify an approval process for installing Amateur Radio antennas;
o Provide a Federal private right of action to Amateur Radio operators in
disputed cases.

On behalf of America's Amateur Radio licensees, Rick Roderick, the President of
The American Radio Relay League, re-confirmed the ARRL's full support for the
passage of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025 and extended
his thanks and appreciation to Senators Wicker and Blumenthal and Congressmen
Pfluger and Courtney for their unflagging leadership of the bi-partisan effort
to support and protect the rights of all Amateur Radio Operators.

The text of the House version can be found at this link: H.R. 1094[1]


[1] http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Advocacy/HR1094%20House%20Private%20Land%20Use%20Bill.pdf


---
þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS