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ARLB018 PRB-1 Bill Introduced in New York
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ARRL Bulletin 18 ARLB018
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT March 24, 2000
To all radio amateurs
SB QST ARL ARLB018
ARLB018 PRB-1 Bill Introduced in New York
A bill has been introduced in the New York State Assembly to codify
the essence of the limited federal preemption known as PRB-1 in New
York State law. Assembly bill A. 9947 would require localities to
''reasonably accommodate'' Amateur Radio antennas and would prevent
localities from restricting antenna structures to less than 95 feet
above ground level or from restricting the number of support
structures.
ARRL Hudson Division Director Frank Fallon, N2FF, says the bill
represents two years of work by his Hudson Division PRB-1 Task
Force, which spearheaded the bill's development as well as a
strategy to get it enacted. The Task Force used other successful
state PRB-1 bills as models and had assistance from ARRL
Headquarters. Fallon said the bill has the support of his staff and
all three Hudson Division ARRL section managers. Support also has
been obtained from Atlantic Division section managers in New York,
and plans are under way for a statewide promotional effort.
The bill, introduced March 7, is in the Committee on Local
Governments, which must vote on the measure before it goes to the
full Assembly. Assuming the measure makes it past both chambers, it
would go to Gov George Pataki--a former amateur--for his signature.
Echoing the PRB-1 language, it would provide that any ordinance
impacting the placement, screening or height of antennas ''must
reasonably accommodate Amateur Radio antennas and shall impose the
minimum regulation necessary to accomplish the political
subdivision's legitimate purpose.'' The bill also would prohibit any
local ordinance, by-law, rule or regulation, or other local law from
restricting Amateur Radio support structure height to less than 95
feet above ground level or from restricting the number of antenna
support structures.
Fallon is urging clubs and individuals to contact their New York
State lawmakers--Assembly and Senate--to cosponsor or support A.
9947.
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