TC McQuade
NES Member
I posted this in the off topic hands free thread but I wanted the HAM operators to not miss this
It appears that the current version of this bill would make operation of HAM radios illegal in MASS while driving.
ARRL Update on Hands-Free MA Legislation, November 19, 2019
“Eastern Massachusetts ARRL State Government Liaison, Hank W4RIG, is working the issue [of hands-free legislation]. Hank is also President of the Cape Anne Amateur Radio Association (CAARA) in Gloucester.
“Since the hands-free bills were first filed, Hank has been closely coordinating with Senator Bruce Tarr, who is the Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader and a radio amateur. Previously the Senator’s office reported to Hank that Amateur Radio operation would not be impacted by earlier versions of the bill. I believe this was based on the Massachusetts General Laws which apply to all bills. The General Laws state that a ‘mobile telephone’ shall not include amateur radios.
“With the hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for a vote, I asked Hank to contact the Senators office once again to confirm amateur radio operations were not affected. We are awaiting that confirmation. If Hank can get the confirmation or further clarification, I will post the information on Eastern Massachusetts ARRL – a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio™ .”
Previously the hands free bill included language exempting radio operators that held a federal license (Ham) but that had been removed on 11/16/19
It appears that the current version of this bill would make operation of HAM radios illegal in MASS while driving.
ARRL Update on Hands-Free MA Legislation, November 19, 2019
“Eastern Massachusetts ARRL State Government Liaison, Hank W4RIG, is working the issue [of hands-free legislation]. Hank is also President of the Cape Anne Amateur Radio Association (CAARA) in Gloucester.
“Since the hands-free bills were first filed, Hank has been closely coordinating with Senator Bruce Tarr, who is the Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader and a radio amateur. Previously the Senator’s office reported to Hank that Amateur Radio operation would not be impacted by earlier versions of the bill. I believe this was based on the Massachusetts General Laws which apply to all bills. The General Laws state that a ‘mobile telephone’ shall not include amateur radios.
“With the hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for a vote, I asked Hank to contact the Senators office once again to confirm amateur radio operations were not affected. We are awaiting that confirmation. If Hank can get the confirmation or further clarification, I will post the information on Eastern Massachusetts ARRL – a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio™ .”
Previously the hands free bill included language exempting radio operators that held a federal license (Ham) but that had been removed on 11/16/19