Dear Representatives,

There are currently two bills in the Virginia Legislature that outline proposed new law that would govern the use of wireless communications while operating vehicles.  They are numbered HB 1659 and HB 1769.

My concern with these two pieces of legislation is that they cast to wide a net, that will have unintended consequences for emergency radio services and training.

As you may know, amateur radio operators (or Hams as we are commonly called) are integral (and volunteer) service providers during natural disasters and emergencies.  Our skills are honed though the intimate knowledge of radio craft, design and employment as well as our ability to quickly set up communication “nets”, to pass emergency information.  This ability only comes with employment of our equipment on a daily basis, training that allows for expert proficiency when called upon or needed.

Both of these laws, if enacted as written would cause confusion (at a minimum) for law enforcement.  Amateur radio should be specifically excluded from this legislation, to allow continued training for mobile operation in the event of emergency or natural disaster.

Please ensure this legislation does not have unintended consequence for Virginia’s over 17,000 amateur radio operators, by specifically excluding it from the legislation.  While our numbers represent less than one percent of the state’s population, amateur radio operators are the only reliable communication alternative during emergencies and natural disasters, particularly in the critical first few hours.

Very Respectfully,