ARRL Launches Nationwide Grassroots Campaign to Pass Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act

Dear Members of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club,

I hope everyone is doing well. I want to bring to your attention a recent announcement from the ARRL that has significant implications for our rights as amateur radio operators — and how we can help ensure these rights are protected.

The article “ARRL Launches Nationwide Grassroots Campaign to Pass Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act” (Sept. 19, 2025) describes a new push in Washington to pass legislation that would give us, licensed hams, the same protections to install antennas on our property that people already enjoy for TV antennas, wireless internet antennas/systems, and even flagpoles. (ARRL)

Here are some key points:

• The bills are bipartisan, having been introduced in both the U.S. House (H.R. 1094) and the Senate (S. 459). (ARRL)
• They are focused primarily on property-restricted communities (especially those governed by Homeowners’ Associations, or HOAs) where rules often prohibit or severely limit antenna installations — even antennas disguised/in trees, mounted on vehicles, or similar to flagpoles. (ARRL)
• The proposed legislation would:
  1. Prohibit HOAs from outright banning amateur radio antennas. (ARRL)
  2. Establish a process for approving antenna installations. (ARRL)
  3. Create a federal right of action for amateur radio operators in disputed cases. In other words, if we’re restricted unfairly, there will be legal recourse. (ARRL)
• The reasoning behind this is that amateur radio plays a critical role in emergency communications when standard communication systems fail (e.g., in natural disasters). Restrictions on antennas can hamper our ability to perform that role. (ARRL)
• To support this, ARRL has launched a grassroots campaign. We are asked to send letters to our U.S. Representatives and Senators via a dedicated online tool (with pre-drafted letters) to express support for the bill. (ARRL)

Why This Is Important for Our Club

• Many of us live in HOA‐controlled areas, or know someone who does. These restrictions can prevent us from installing antennas that are essential for training, emergency nets, or simply getting on the air.
• Our ability to respond in emergencies depends on having reliable, legal antenna setups; if the law gives us clearer rights, that strengthens our readiness.
• Supporting this effort helps protect not just our hobby, but our service to the community when disaster strikes.

What You Can Do

I encourage each of you to:

1. Read the ARRL’s post if you haven’t yet (for full details).
2. Use the ARRL’s tool to send a letter to your U.S. Representative and Senators. The link is included in the article. It’s easy to use, and even a short letter helps. (ARRL)
3. Talk to your neighbors, especially those in HOAs, and build awareness. Sometimes change starts locally.
4. If you would like, we as a club can coordinate a group effort — perhaps drafting a letter together or even meeting with the district offices.

Thank you for your attention and for everything you do to keep amateur radio strong and ready for when our communities need us.

73,
Jim Lathan, W4JLP
Columbia Amateur Radio Club