Inattentive driving is a big concern in today’s society. Recent traffic accidents that are the result of texting while driving has brought the matter to the state legislature. Assembly bill AB429 focuses on this issue by outlawing the use of any type of wireless communications devices. Unfortunately amateur radio is also caught in this net as the bill does not exempt licensed amateur radio operators from using their equipment while mobile. Please read the following analysis of the bill by the ARRL Wisconsin Section State Government Liaison Jim Lackore, AD9X:
AB 429 FACT SHEET
Jim Lackore, ARS AD9X, WI Section State Government Liaison Officer:
- AB 429 relates to the use of “wireless telecommunications devices” while driving.
- AB 429 defines a “wireless telecommunication device” as “…any cellular telephone, two-way radio or citizens band radio, personal digital assistant, or other device being used by the device’s operator to transmit verbal communications, electronic mail, text messages, or any other electronic communication to one or more persons not physically present with the device’s operator, but does not include any global positioning system device installed in or on a vehicle.”
- AB 429 exempts certain persons and uses — BUT DOES NOT EXEMPT THE MOBILE USE OF AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT BY LICENSED AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS.AB 429 is sponsored by Representatives Smith, Black, Hubler and Van Roy and Senators Taylor and Risser.
- AB 429 was introduced, read for the first time, and referred to the Assembly Transportation Committee on 9/22/09.
- On 09/24/09, I met with Representative Smith and his Legislative Aide and urged them to modify AB 429 to exclude Amateur Radio operators from the intent of the Bill by adding the following wording”
- a. “4. The person is an Amateur Radio Operator who is: (a) holding a valid Federal Communications Commission Amateur Radio Operator’s license, (b) using dedicated Amateur Radio two-way radio communication equipment, and (c) observing proper Amateur Radio operating procedures.
- As of 10/06/09 no further progress on the bill has been reported. (I am on the legislation “watch list” and am notified whenever any action is pending or taken regarding legislation of interest to Wisconsin Amateur Radio Operators.) I will pass on any information I receive regarding the progress of AB 429 through the legislative process to Don Michalski for dissemination to the Wisconsin Amateur Radio operators as he deems appropriate.
- AB 429 may be read by going to http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/AB-429.pdf
- The contact information for all of the State of Wisconsin Legislature Representatives and Senators may be obtained from www.legis.state.wi.us.
- In your written or verbal communication with your Legislator:
a. Be calm and polite. Do not project a belligerent or demanding attitude. Express your willingness to work with him or her in making the changes you are requesting.
b. Note that Amateur Radio communications conducted by licensed Amateur Radio operators comes under the authority and regulation of the FCC.
c. Emphasize the important role in public service communications played by Amateur Radio mobile operators.