Legislative Victory for Colorado Hams

The Transportation and Energy Committee of the Colorado House ofRepresentatives recently heard testimony on HB 09-1094, a billconcerning Wireless Telephone Prohibitions for Drivers. ColoradoSection Public Information Coordinator Robert Wareham and I attendedthe hearing and testified on behalf of the Colorado Amateur Radiocommunity.  Prior to the hearings, I had communicated with the bill'ssponsor who assured me that the legislation was not intended torestrict Amateur Radio mobile operation.  Nevertheless, there werestill concerns.  Mr. Wareham contacted committee member Rep. FrankMcNulty (R-Douglas) who agreed to offer an amendment exempting licensedAmateur Radio operation.  The amendment was approved by the committeeand the bill was reported favorably.  It moves on to the next step ofreview by the House Appropriations Committee then a vote by the fullhouse.  While we can't predict the future of the bill, the languageexempting Amateur Radio operations from vehicles is now part of thispending legislation.  It is unlikely that this language would beremoved should the bill pass the Senate and ultimately be approved byGovernor Ritter.  If approved, the bill has a target 'in effect' dateof December 1, 2009.73,