Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
Plain Language Summary
# Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would limit the ability of homeowners' associations and other private organizations from blocking or heavily restricting amateur radio operators from installing antennas on their own property. Currently, many homeowners' associations have rules that prevent antenna installations. The bill would make it illegal for these organizations to unreasonably block antennas or rules that would make installation too expensive, time-consuming, or difficult.
However, associations could still require that antennas be safely maintained and installed according to manufacturer guidelines and local zoning laws. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects amateur radio hobbyists and emergency communicators who live in properties governed by homeowners' associations or similar private land-use restrictions. It also impacts homeowners' associations themselves, which would lose some authority to enforce antenna restrictions. The bill's stated goal is to ensure that amateur radio operators can maintain emergency communication capabilities in their communities. **Current Status:** HR 1094 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness ActThis bill limits the adoption and enforcement of private land use restrictions (e.g., rules of a homeowners' association) that prohibit, restrict, or impair the installation, maintenance, or operation of an amateur station antenna on property controlled by an amateur radio operator.Private land use restrictions are deemed to prohibit, restrict, or impair the installation, maintenance, or operation of an amateur station antenna if they unreasonably delay, prevent, or increase the cost or difficulty of such installation, maintenance, or operation; or if they prevent or degrade the reception or transmission of a signal acceptable to the operator. However, the bill permits certain private land use restrictions, including restrictions that require amateur station antennas (1) to be maintained in a structurally safe condition; or (2) to be installed in compliance with manufacturer specifications, applicable zoning ordinances, amateur radio tower ordinances, and building codes. The bill also establishes certain limits on the adoption and enforcement of private land use restrictions that require an amateur radio operator to obtain prior approval before installing an amateur station antenna, and exempts certain categories of amateur station antenna from prior approval requirements altogether. Finally, the bill sets forth procedures for the enforcement of these provisions and provides a private right of action for individuals harmed by violations of the provisions.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.