Pfluger Introduces Bill to Protect Amateur Radio

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), alongside Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) and U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (MS-R) and Richard Blumenthal (CT-D), introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to enhance emergency response capabilities and safeguard our communities.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act will "ensure that amateur radio operators can continue to play a vital role in ensuring public safety during emergencies by providing critical communication when other systems fail."

“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," Rep. Pfluger said. "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."

Background:

Amateur radio is essential for emergency preparedness, as other forms of communication can easily be disrupted in emergencies and natural disasters, information from Pfluger's office states. However, current homeowner association rules prevent amateur radio operators from installing outdoor antennas on residential property, potentially hindering access to "this critical communication." This legislation would correct that by giving amateur radio operators the right to install their antennas and serve their community. 

Specifically, this legislation would:

• Prohibit the homeowner association rules that would prevent or ban amateur radio antennas;
• Clarify the approval process for installing amateur radio antennas;
• Give amateur radio operators a private right of action.

“As we know from recent natural disasters, amateur radio operators in Connecticut can be a critical component of disaster response and emergency management," Rep. Courtney said."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.” 

“Mississippians should have access to every possible means of warning for natural disasters, including amateur radio operators," Senator Wicker said. "In an emergency, those warnings can mean the difference between life and death. 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," Senator Blumenthal said. "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."

Rep. Pfluger's legislation is supported by the National Association for Amateur Radio and the Midland Amateur Radio Club. 

“The ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio is sincerely grateful to Senators Wicker and Blumenthal and Congressmen Pfluger and Courtney for their reintroduction of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act," said Richard A. "Rick" Roderick, President of the National Association for Amateur Radio. "This legislation will allow approximately 750,000 voluntary Amateur Radio licensees to continue providing reliable emergency communications from coast to coast, free of misguided private land use restrictions that threaten Amateur Radio operations.”

“On behalf of its Members and Amateur Radio licensees in the Midland-Odessa area, we are deeply grateful to Rep. Pfluger for his continued leadership on the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act," said Frank C. Alvarado, President of the Midland Amateur Radio Club. "Eliminating the threat of oppressive private land use restrictions to Amateur Radio will be enormously beneficial here in Texas.” 

Text of this legislation is available here.