What does this mean for local Police officers?

[kc0vgj]

The ARRL Letter
Vol. 19, No. 46
December 1, 2000

==>PRESIDENT SIGNS CB ENFORCEMENT BILL

President Bill Clinton has signed legislation that permits the enforcement of certain FCC Citizens Band regulations by state and local governments. Amateur Radio operators are exempt from the provisions of the law, now PL

Congressional lawmakers saw the measure as a way to give a voice to those experiencing radio frequency interference resulting from illegal CB radio operation. The FCC will not yield its authority to regulate Citizens Band or other radio services, however.

In short, the measure authorizes states and localities to enact laws that prohibit the use of unauthorized CB equipment--consistent with FCC regulations. This would include the use of high-power linear amplifiers or equipment that was not FCC-certificated.

FCC-licensed stations in any radio service--including the Amateur Service--are excluded from such state or local enforcement, and state or local laws enacted under this legislation must identify this exemption.

The bill--HR.2346 is the House version; it was S.2767 in the Senate--actually is the old Senate "Feingold bill" from several sessions ago. The bill's sponsor, Rep Vernon Ehlers of Michigan says local hams asked him to support the bill because of the bad rap they were getting from illegal CBers using high-power linear amplifiers that resulted in TV and telephone interference while the CBers involved hid behind federal preemption.

[JoeyC]

Nothing. Its dated 12 years ago...

[KC2OBW]

Originally Posted by JoeyC

Nothing. Its dated 12 years ago...

So if something is dated 12 years ago it means nothing?

[LtDoc]

It means that local law enforcement now has the option of citing interference problems caused by CB radio. Certainly doesn't mean they will, just that they have the option. I can't say that there's ever been much done with it, but I certainly wouldn't think it's 'nothing'.
- 'Doc

[scover5555]

It doesn't say police officers can enforce FCC rules. What is says is "In short, the measure authorizes states and localities to enact laws that prohibit the use of unauthorized CB equipment--consistent with FCC regulations." Basically a local or state entity can make a law or ordinance that coincides with FCC regulations and a police officer can then enforce that law or ordinance. It in no way gives permission for police officers to start enforcing FCC regulations.

[kc0vgj]

ok ic..