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Flightmare wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 1:42 am https://w5wx.net/2018/12/28/texas-legislature-sb43/

Couldn't find a better post to put this under. Looks like Senator Zaffirini has filed a bill that would change the "texting while driving" law to outlaw ham radio operation while the vehicle is in motion. This would definitely affect Skywarn storm spotters/chasers.

oohrah wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 11:04 am As I read the proposed bill, it is a defense to prosecution if one used a hands free device, and in the bill it defines a hands free device as including a push-to-talk function. Since almost all mobile vhf/uhf ham radios art PTT, we are not really affected.

However, this is an onerous bill which could have far-reaching unintended consequences. I am writing my Senator.

2farnorth wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 8:15 am

Flightmare wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 1:42 am https://w5wx.net/2018/12/28/texas-legislature-sb43/

Couldn't find a better post to put this under. Looks like Senator Zaffirini has filed a bill that would change the "texting while driving" law to outlaw ham radio operation while the vehicle is in motion. This would definitely affect Skywarn storm spotters/chasers.

This bill is aimed specifically at federally licensed operators. Striking out the current exemption the way I read it. Why? What has she got against us? Another democrat that wants to control every aspect of her subjects lives.
All radio dispatched non emergency services would be affected, Truckers underway with their CBs would be affected also. i don't like much of what I hear on a CB, but it does serve a good purpose.

RoyGBiv wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 8:49 am

Flightmare wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 1:42 am https://w5wx.net/2018/12/28/texas-legislature-sb43/

Couldn't find a better post to put this under. Looks like Senator Zaffirini has filed a bill that would change the "texting while driving" law to outlaw ham radio operation while the vehicle is in motion. This would definitely affect Skywarn storm spotters/chasers.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll share with our local teams as well as the folks at National Weather Service in FTW.

ETA: I wonder whether Skywarn/RACES would fall under the "authorized emergency... vehicle" exemption.

MustangGlocker wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 3:44 pm

RoyGBiv wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 8:49 am

Flightmare wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 1:42 am https://w5wx.net/2018/12/28/texas-legislature-sb43/

Couldn't find a better post to put this under. Looks like Senator Zaffirini has filed a bill that would change the "texting while driving" law to outlaw ham radio operation while the vehicle is in motion. This would definitely affect Skywarn storm spotters/chasers.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll share with our local teams as well as the folks at National Weather Service in FTW.

ETA: I wonder whether Skywarn/RACES would fall under the "authorized emergency... vehicle" exemption.

Hey Roy. I'm a member of the NWS radio desk team. I have a meeting with them tomorrow and can also bring this up with the team.

Thanks