Texas Antenna Legislation

From the ARRL...



Texas lawmaker exempts hams in amended tower proposal: As a result of
intervention from the ARRL, Texas House of Representatives member Robert Cook has agreed to amend a proposed bill, HB 1148, aimed at regulating antenna construction, height, lighting and location, to include a new section that excludes Amateur Radio.


The new section, 240.082.5 EXCLUSIONS, is now worded to say:


"Nothing herein shall be construed to regulate, nor shall it regulate, antennas, antenna support structures, devices or facilities, installed, maintained and used exclusively for Amateur Radio communications by Amateur Radio operators licensed by the Federal Communications Commission."



ARRL assisted Rep Cook in wording the specific exemption. In a separate action, another proposal, Texas House Bill 1492, would require all towers taller than 50 feet to be painted and marked in accordance with aviation safety regulations.



ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, has suggested that Texas amateurs contact the bill's sponsor, <A HREF="mailto:rick.hardcastle@house.state.tx.us">
State Rep Rick Hardcastle</A>, and voice objections to the bill in its present form.