[1] NOTE:  As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

 

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F I S C A L   I M P A C T   R E P O R T

 

 

 

SPONSOR:

Gorham

 

DATE TYPED:

02/09/02

 

HB

 

 

SHORT TITLE:

Amateur Radio Antennas Regulations

 

SB

425

 

 

ANALYST:

Sandoval

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

 

 

 

NFI

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

Relates to HB  314

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 
LFC files

 

No Response

Department of Finance and Administration (DFA)

 

SUMMARY

 

Senate Bill 425 establishes the New Mexico Legislature’s opinion, in relation to municipalities and counties, on the accommodation of amateur radio service communications by allowing antenna structures within reason.  This bill uses the term “should” and establishes no statutory requirements.

 

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

 

Senate Bill 425 closely relates to House Bill 314 in language and intent.  House Bill 314 prevents an ordinance adopted by a municipality or county from obstructing or precluding amateur radio service communications.  Amateur radio antenna towers constructed prior to the effective date (July 1, 2002) of this bill are exempted from subsequent changes in zoning regulations by the municipality or county.  This bill also allows a municipality or county to regulate amateur radio antennas by requiring that they meet screening, setback and placement, construction and health and safety standards.

 

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

An amateur radio antenna is defined as an antenna structure operated by a federally licensed amateur radio operator for amateur radio activities and does not mean citizens band or commercial antennas.

 

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

 

1.     How do amateur radio antennas affect counties and municipalities?

2.     What is required to obtain a federal license to be an amateur radio operator?

3.     What purpose do amateur radio antennas serve?

 

JFS/ar

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