LOCAL REGULATION: AMATEUR RADIO S.B. 493 (S-2):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 493 (Substitute S-2 as reported) (as enrolled)
Committee: Energy and Technology
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act to do the following:
-- Specify that a Federal regulation requires the owners of certain amateur radio service station antenna structures to notify the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and register with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
-- Allow an amateur radio service station antenna structure to be erected at heights and dimensions sufficient to accommodate amateur radio service communications.
-- Provide that regulation of such a structure by a local unit of government could not preclude amateur radio service communications, and require local regulation to reasonably accommodate such communications and constitute the minimum practicable regulation to accomplish the local unit's legitimate purpose.
-- Allow a person to contact any advisory board established jointly by the Michigan section of the Amateur Radio Relay League and one or more State organizations representing local units of government to obtain information about the regulation of amateur radio service station antenna structures.
The bill states, "47 CFR 97.15 provides that owners of certain amateur radio service station antenna structures more than 60.96 meters (200 feet) above ground level at the site or located near or at a public use airport must notify the Federal Aviation Administration and register with the Federal Communications Commission as required by 47 CFR Part 17."
(In addition to requiring that owners of certain antennas notify the FAA, 47 CFR 97.15 contains language similar to the bill's regarding accommodation of radio amateur radio service communications and local regulation. Under 47 CFR Part 17, the owner of any proposed or existing antenna structure that requires notice of proposed construction to the FAA must register it with the FCC.)
Proposed MCL 125.3205a Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 9-17-14 Fiscal Analyst: David Zin
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.