Date: 02/12/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB15-041

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 15-041 to the Committee of the WPASS



10:15 AM -- SB15-041

Representative Van Winkle presented and summarized Senate Bill 15-041 concerning local government regulation of amateur radio antennas. This bill prohibits local governments with land use and building regulatory authority, including counties, cities, and towns, from enacting or enforcing regulations concerning amateur radio antennas that are contrary to policies adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Specifically, local government regulations concerning the placement, screening, or height of amateur radio antennas must: be based on health, safety, or aesthetic considerations; reasonably accommodate amateur communications; and represent the minimal practicable regulation.

Representative Singer discussed the use of amateur radios during the September 2013 floods.

Representative Van Winkle answered questions from the committee regarding the scope of the bill on local control.

10:19 AM -- Robert Wareham, representing the Amateur Radio Relay League, spoke in favor of the bill. He also distributed an informational document (Attachment A) and a statement from the Amateur Radio Relay League (Attachment B). Mr. Wareham discussed the use of amateur radios in Colorado and the service provided during emergencies. Mr. Wareham provided information on the role of local governments and the need for state law regarding amateur radios.

15HouseLocal0212AttachA.pdf15HouseLocal0212AttachA.pdf 15HouseLocal0212AttachB.pdf15HouseLocal0212AttachB.pdf

Representative Van Winkle answered questions from the committee regarding local government feedback on the bill.

Mr. Wareham answered questions from the committee regarding recent lawsuits on amateur radios.


10:28 AM

Mr. Wareham continued to answer questions from the committee. He discussed the need for amateur radios in relation to modern technology.

The committee members provided closing comments on the bill.
BILL:SB15-041
TIME: 10:33:37 AM
MOVED:Keyser
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 15-041 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 11-0.
SECONDED:Ransom
VOTE
Arndt
Yes
Danielson
Yes
Keyser
Yes
Klingenschmitt
Yes
Navarro
Yes
Ransom
Yes
Rosenthal
Yes
Saine
Yes
Singer
Yes
Lebsock
Yes
Fields
Yes
YES: 11 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



10:34 AM

The committee adjourned.