Illinois State Rep Dan Brady introduces anti-rebroadcast legislation

[gmclam]

Could you elaborate on what you mean?

Some bills, like heathcare or tobacco, are funded by big money. I don't see that kind of money behind this. Therefore a STRONG grassroots opposition has a chance.

But I just cant possibly imagine there being enough people.
50? 100?
I have seen petitions with thousands of signatures barely ripple the waters.

It depends on the issue. There are some issues that "the people" will not be able to convince elected officials to change the direction of. It totally depends on how this bill came about, and why it is an issue to the author. If the author has a dozen people supporting it, and a mere 50 opposing it, which direction do you think it will take? Politics is largely a numbers game. And if the bill gets submitted, then you work on getting officials on the committees hearing the bill to oppose it.

Another tactic is severe amendments to the bill. Some bills get so watered down by the time the are totally approved, they are useless. For example, if we just got that part about "... written approval..." removed from the bill, AZScanner might have a fighting chance with his day in court.

all cell phones should be stripped from every officer and money can be saved.

I've often wondered how much tax money goes toward paying for all these cell phones myself. Perhaps a first step is to only allow field Sgts to have them, not each and every officer.

 

[Squad10]

Some bills, like heathcare or tobacco, are funded by big money. I don't see that kind of money behind this. Therefore a STRONG grassroots opposition has a chance.

I agree with you, and, add communications to your list. You may want to read my thread: DuPage Co. ETSB to sole source Motorola SC21? in the Illinois section. I feel it may be related to the Bill, but OT here. A single Bill can be multi purpose.

A Bill just needs to be plain language so its intent can be understood. Just like the credit card companys have be forced to do by Law.

 

[zerg901]

N Jay posted - "Some people seem to feel this little cult hobby is way more important that it really is."

To any moderator - Is it possible to remove the word "cult" from this thread? Peter Sz

 

[blantonl]

Folks,

Here is an update regarding this bill. Rep. Dan Brady's office has released a FAQ outlining some additional information, clarifications, and reasoning behind the introduction of this bill.

Items in bold are my emphasis.

HB 5194 Discussion Points and Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose of 20 ILCS 26115/11 – Rebroadcast

Clarification:

The intent of the legislation is not to impede the appropriate, and even beneficial, use of
information monitored by private citizens via use of scanning radios (in fact, the Amber
Alert language is included as an example of appropriate extension to the public of
intercepted traffic). Media rebroadcast of general information in regard to a fire
department’s response to a major fire; suggesting motorists use an alternate route to avoid
the scene, and other similar beneficial use, need not be a casualty of this legislation.
Neither would the post-incident “publishing” of a general public safety response to an
incident (fire, accident, etc.) based on intercepted radio traffic.
Realistically, the State does not have the resources to develop and maintain an
authorization-tracking mechanism to address legitimate news services. Attempts to add
verbiage to further define allowable use of intercepted traffic will result in the creation of
loopholes to legitimize illegitimate uses.

The intent of the legislation is to:
1. ensure the safety of the officers using the police radio by keeping it from becoming a
tool to be used against them; examples of such activity:
a. sharing police location information with a fleeing suspect, fugitive, etc.;
b. using officer location and activity information (as gained from monitoring traffic) to
organize and coordinate illicit activities at times/locations where police response
will be delayed; and
c. using officer location and activity information (as gained from monitoring traffic) to
organize and coordinate an ambush of public safety personnel responding to a false
crime-in-process report.
2. allow local citizens who use scanners to monitor police radio traffic for their own
information, entertainment, or sense of security to continue to do so; and
3. maintain the integrity of public safety radio system; and
4. protect the safety of the citizens by not allowing access to local radio traffic to a
worldwide anonymous audience via the internet – potentially supporting the efforts of
terrorists and enemies of the state to study the public safety operations and procedures
they will address in planning an attack against this state.

NOTE: ISP’s position is that local, “off-the-air” interception of public safety radio
broadcasts by the local citizenry using scanning radio equipment should not
be affected by this legislation; unless intentional support of a criminal act is
involved or results.

Purpose of 20 ILCS 26115/12 – Cloning

Clarification:

The language of 20 ILCS 2615/12 (cloning) was developed as the result of the
software/computer-based trunking radio components of the STARCOM21 voice radio
system. In reality, interference and non-official use of public safety frequencies has been
occurring as long as police and fire-fighters have been using (and losing) portable radios.
Last year’s unauthorized use of a cloned radio on STARCOM21 (for demonstration and
sales/marketing purposes) actually served as the impetus for the drafting of the language.
The scope of the bill extends beyond just STARCOM21 to include all public safety
bandwidth within the state.

Bottom Line:

Legislation is applicable to all public safety frequencies, not just STARCOM21.
For example: legal access to ISPERN (high-band frequency of 155.475MHz, licensed to
the Illinois State Police) may only be done upon receipt of written authorization granted by
the Director of the ISP, or his delegate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Can citizens continue to monitor public safety radio transmissions on
commercial scanners?
A. Yes; there is no violation of this legislation.
Q. Can HAM radio enthusiast continue to rebroadcast information over-heard on
scanners in the interest of public safety?
A. Yes; weather spotters, AMBER alerts, and alerts during critical incidents related
to public safety, awareness, and assistance are exempt in paragraph (b).
Q. Can public safety agencies and responders retransmit information from one
public safety information source to another via licensed radio networks?
A. Yes; advanced written authorization would not be required.
Q. Can print media use information gathered via scanners to “publish” incident
information?
A. Yes; advanced written authorization would not be required.
Q. Can “on-air” media sources report on information gathered via public safety
scanners?
A. Yes; advanced written authorization would not be required.

 

[bezking]

N Jay posted - "Some people seem to feel this little cult hobby is way more important that it really is."

To any moderator - Is it possible to remove the word "cult" from this thread? Peter Sz

I do not believe such an action to be warranted at this time.
If N-Jay's remarks bother you, consider adding him to your ignore list in your User CP, this will cause his posts to be collapsed by default when you view a thread.

 

[kd8ati]

4. protect the safety of the citizens by not allowing access to local radio traffic to a
worldwide anonymous audience via the internet – potentially supporting the efforts of
terrorists and enemies of the state to study the public safety operations and procedures
they will address in planning an attack against this state.

How many sheep are going to believe that?? Lets remember that most terrorists who have plans on doing something here, are already here! The 9/11 terrorists took flight lessons right here in this country. Creating an internet blackout of police scanners isnt going to stop a thing. If they want to study the communication methods of public safety in IL, this bill is not going to stop them.

Here is a better question....
While recently discussing this bill with peers on amateur radio, I was told that live reboradsting of police scanners was already considered to be illegial (though obviously loosely enforced IF really illegial) in the Telecommunications Act of 1934. I have not had the time to study this. Does anyone have an answer to that?

 

[Squad10]

Wow, nine years after 9/11 attacks and on going (mostly international origin) terror threats to come up with this Bill for the reasons stated.

Nine years of mostly clear ISP low/high band radio communications that has been streamed worldwide. About time somebody addressed the rebroadcast issue when almost every StarCom radio has, or could have encryption capability since StarCom's inception.

 

[davidbond21]

protect the safety of the citizens by not allowing access to local radio traffic to a
worldwide anonymous audience via the internet

Does this actually protect Illinois residents? If I'm listening to an Chicago feed from here in Texas, and I hear a name and physical description, or even an address that I look up and google and see where this person lives, that person is still quite anonymous to me even if I do hear an embarrassing criminal record. What exactly could I do with information I hear about any particular citizen in Illinois, that a local resident with his own scanner couldn't do to even more deviant or criminal ends?

 

[ERICMYERS]

Today, I received the information below from Dan Brady's office. Frankly, I'm impressed that they responded so thoroughly and so quickly. Kudos to Dan's office and his assistant Dara Brockmeyer for being so responsive. Must mull this response over before forming an opinion.
Eric

****Paste****
HB 5194 Discussion Points and Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose of 20 ILCS 26115/11 – Rebroadcast
Clarification:
The intent of the legislation is not to impede the appropriate, and even beneficial, use of
information monitored by private citizens via use of scanning radios (in fact, the Amber
Alert language is included as an example of appropriate extension to the public of
intercepted traffic). Media rebroadcast of general information in regard to a fire
department’s response to a major fire; suggesting motorists use an alternate route to avoid
the scene, and other similar beneficial use, need not be a casualty of this legislation.
Neither would the post-incident “publishing” of a general public safety response to an
incident (fire, accident, etc.) based on intercepted radio traffic.
Realistically, the State does not have the resources to develop and maintain an
authorization-tracking mechanism to address legitimate news services. Attempts to add
verbiage to further define allowable use of intercepted traffic will result in the creation of
loopholes to legitimize illegitimate uses.
The intent of the legislation is to:
1. ensure the safety of the officers using the police radio by keeping it from becoming a
tool to be used against them; examples of such activity:
a. sharing police location information with a fleeing suspect, fugitive, etc.;
b. using officer location and activity information (as gained from monitoring traffic) to
organize and coordinate illicit activities at times/locations where police response
will be delayed; and
c. using officer location and activity information (as gained from monitoring traffic) to
organize and coordinate an ambush of public safety personnel responding to a false
crime-in-process report.
2. allow local citizens who use scanners to monitor police radio traffic for their own
information, entertainment, or sense of security to continue to do so; and
3. maintain the integrity of public safety radio system; and
4. protect the safety of the citizens by not allowing access to local radio traffic to a worldwide
anonymous audience via the internet – potentially supporting the efforts of
terrorists and enemies of the state to study the public safety operations and procedures
they will address in planning an attack against this state.
NOTE: ISP’s position is that local, “off-the-air” interception of public safety radio
broadcasts by the local citizenry using scanning radio equipment should not
be affected by this legislation; unless intentional support of a criminal act is
involved or results.
Purpose of 20 ILCS 26115/12 – Cloning
Clarification:
The language of 20 ILCS 2615/12 (cloning) was developed as the result of the
software/computer-based trunking radio components of the STARCOM21 voice radio
system. In reality, interference and non-official use of public safety frequencies has been
occurring as long as police and fire-fighters have been using (and losing) portable radios.
Last year’s unauthorized use of a cloned radio on STARCOM21 (for demonstration and
sales/marketing purposes) actually served as the impetus for the drafting of the language.
The scope of the bill extends beyond just STARCOM21 to include all public safety
bandwidth within the state.
Bottom Line:
Legislation is applicable to all public safety frequencies, not just STARCOM21.
For example: legal access to ISPERN (high-band frequency of 155.475MHz, licensed to
the Illinois State Police) may only be done upon receipt of written authorization granted by
the Director of the ISP, or his delegate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Can citizens continue to monitor public safety radio transmissions on
commercial scanners?
A. Yes; there is no violation of this legislation.
Q. Can HAM radio enthusiast continue to rebroadcast information over-heard on
scanners in the interest of public safety?
A. Yes; weather spotters, AMBER alerts, and alerts during critical incidents related
to public safety, awareness, and assistance are exempt in paragraph (b).
Q. Can public safety agencies and responders retransmit information from one
public safety information source to another via licensed radio networks?
A. Yes; advanced written authorization would not be required.
Q. Can print media use information gathered via scanners to “publish” incident
information?
A. Yes; advanced written authorization would not be required.
Q. Can “on-air” media sources report on information gathered via public safety
scanners?
A. Yes; advanced written authorization would not be required.

***********stop paste*******************

 

[N_Jay]

N Jay posted - "Some people seem to feel this little cult hobby is way more important that it really is."

To any moderator - Is it possible to remove the word "cult" from this thread? Peter Sz

Don't be so sensitive.

Cult - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition #5

Similar in usage to a "Cult-classic" film.

Maybe "Niche" would have been a better word?

 

[Squad10]

Does this actually protect Illinois residents? If I'm listening to an Chicago feed from here in Texas, and I hear a name and physical description, or even an address that I look up and google and see where this person lives, that person is still quite anonymous to me even if I do hear an embarrassing criminal record. What exactly could I do with information I hear about any particular citizen in Illinois, that a local resident with his own scanner couldn't do to even more deviant or criminal ends?

The majority of traffic you will hear (in the clear) on StarCom21 will be about ISP moving violation vehicle stops and accident response. Currently, ISP is the largest user of SC21. For the most part criminal history communicated (in the clear voice) is abridged by a dispatcher - to give an officer just what they need to know pertaining the nature of the request. Never heard a terror related CCH. Sensitive information is communicated via the ISP secure mobile data system.

My answer to your question, you couldn't do much with what you hear other than it may assist you if you need help falling asleep.

 

[KIKINWING]

Dara Brockmeyer to JOHN (KIKINWING)
show details 4:01 PM (2 hours ago)

John,

I am following up to your original email with some addition information about HB 5194, which Rep. Brady is sponsoring. The idea for the legislation came from the Illinois State Police. I have attached a file with information on the bill. I hope this clarifies the legislative intent.

Dara BrockmeyerDistrict Office DirectorState Representative Dan Brady, 88th District(309) 662-1100202 N. Prospect, Suite 203Bloomington, IL 61704

HB 5194 Discussion Points and Frequently Asked QuestionsPurpose of 20 ILCS 26115/11 – RebroadcastClarification:The intent of the legislation is not to impede the appropriate, and even beneficial, use ofinformation monitored by private citizens via use of scanning radios (in fact, the AmberAlert language is included as an example of appropriate extension to the public ofintercepted traffic). Media rebroadcast of general information in regard to a firedepartment’s response to a major fire; suggesting motorists use an alternate route to avoidthe scene, and other similar beneficial use, need not be a casualty of this legislation.Neither would the post-incident “publishing” of a general public safety response to an incident (fire, accident, etc.) based on intercepted radio traffic.Realistically, the State does not have the resources to develop and maintain an authorization-tracking mechanism to address legitimate news services. Attempts to add verbiage to further define allowable use of intercepted traffic will result in the creation ofloopholes to legitimize illegitimate uses.The intent of the legislation is to:1. ensure the safety of the officers using the police radio by keeping it from becoming atool to be used against them; examples of such activity:a. sharing police location information with a fleeing suspect, fugitive, etc.;b. using officer location and activity information (as gained from monitoring traffic) toorganize and coordinate illicit activities at times/locations where police responsewill be delayed; and c. using officer location and activity information (as gained from monitoring traffic) toorganize and coordinate an ambush of public safety personnel responding to a falsecrime-in-process report.2. allow local citizens who use scanners to monitor police radio traffic for their own information, entertainment, or sense of security to continue to do so; and 3. maintain the integrity of public safety radio system; and4. protect the safety of the citizens by not allowing access to local radio traffic to a world-wide anonymous audience via the internet – potentially supporting the efforts ofterrorists and enemies of the state to study the public safety operations and proceduresthey will address in planning an attack against this state.NOTE:ISP’s position is that local, “off-the-air” interception of public safety radiobroadcasts by the local citizenry using scanning radio equipment should notbe affected by this legislation; unless intentional support of a criminal act isinvolved or results.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2
Purpose of 20 ILCS 26115/12 – CloningClarification:The language of 20 ILCS 2615/12 (cloning) was developed as the result of thesoftware/computer-based trunking radio components of the STARCOM21 voice radiosystem. In reality, interference and non-official use of public safety frequencies has been occurring as long as police and fire-fighters have been using (and losing) portable radios.Last year’s unauthorized use of a cloned radio on STARCOM21 (for demonstration andsales/marketing purposes) actually served as the impetus for the drafting of the language.The scope of the bill extends beyond just STARCOM21 to include all public safetybandwidth within the state.Bottom Line:Legislation is applicable to all public safety frequencies, not just STARCOM21.For example: legal access to ISPERN (high-band frequency of 155.475MHz, licensed tothe Illinois State Police) may only be done upon receipt of written authorization granted bythe Director of the ISP, or his delegate.Frequently Asked Questions:
Q.Can citizens continue to monitor public safety radio transmissions oncommercial scanners?
A.Yes; there is no violation of this legislation.
Q.Can HAM radio enthusiast continue to rebroadcast information over-heard onscanners in the interest of public safety?
A.Yes; weather spotters, AMBER alerts, and alerts during critical incidents related to public safety, awareness, and assistance are exempt in paragraph (b).
Q.Can public safety agencies and responders retransmit information from onepublic safety information source to another via licensed radio networks?
A.Yes; advanced written authorization would not be required.
Q.Can print media use information gathered via scanners to “publish” incidentinformation?
A.Yes; advanced written authorization would not be required.
Q.Can “on-air” media sources report on information gathered via public safetyscanners?
A.Yes; advanced written authorization would not be required.

Okay boys and girls here it is. Before I respond and do something "stupid" like quote a president or something I thought I should solicit some input from you, my newest, bestest buddies.... So have at it cause I am replying Monday AM.



(Oops, should of read new posts before I plagerized this thread..... But shows we are having an effect!!!!!!)

And for what it is worth this bill is TROUBLE!!! I hope RR is gearing up and should post a Pay Pal donation request on page 1 to fight this, cause as I said, and belive, regardless of there intent this bill has many, many hidden (UN)-intended consequences not withsatnding the things they are admitting to!! THis is trouble, REAL BIG TROUBLE!!!!!!!!


.

 

[Squad10]

This is the State of Illinois speaking on behalf of their (SOI/Motorola) StarCom radio network. How soon will it grow to cover IL county and local radio networks?

Maybe the cult members should now start addressing what may be coming before it is too late.

 

[Squad10]

Dara Brockmeyer to JOHN (KIKINWING)

And for what it is worth this bill is TROUBLE!!! I hope RR is gearing up and should post a Pay Pal donation request on page 1 to fight this, cause as I said, and belive, regardless of there intent this bill has many, many hidden unintended consequences not withsatnding the things they are admitting to!! THis is trouble, REAL BIG TROUBLE!!!!!!!!

Instead of a donation, can a PAC contribution be sent via Pay Pal?

 

[KIKINWING]

Instead of a donation, can a PAC contribution be sent via Pay Pal?

Make checks payable directly to me.... (wink, wink..)

And seriously the answer is yes. Pay Pal is just a means to an end. This is how many candidates collect donations now via the net. The fund's structure will need sum lawyering but RR this is your fight and we are with you.... Just ask.

 

[davidbond21]

This is the State of Illinois speaking on behalf of their (SOI/Motorola) StarCom radio network. How soon will it grow to cover IL county and local radio networks?
.

Immediately. Read this part of the statement from the Representatives office:

The scope of the bill extends beyond just STARCOM21 to include all public safety bandwidth within the state.Bottom Line:Legislation is applicable to all public safety frequencies, not just STARCOM21.For example: legal access to ISPERN (high-band frequency of 155.475MHz, licensed tothe Illinois State Police) may only be done upon receipt of written authorization granted bythe Director of the ISP, or his delegate.

So, also in this clarification they dispatched, they specifically mention they intend to not let people listen the world over through the web, so is this the State of Illinois attempting to regulate what can and cannot go over the internet through their state? Wouldn't regulating the internet be stepping on the FCC's territory?

 

[Squad10]

Immediately. Read this part of the statement from the Representatives office:

I understood, all Radio Station Licenses having the State of Illinois as a licensee name.

I already knew the answer to my question, just didn't phrase it the right way, as soon as counties and local agencies move to StarCom21. like DuPage County, as soon as Motorola can deliver the equipment.

 

[jobes]

While I feel much love in this thread for our IL corrupt system is anyone going to iGold?

It's more than just 2A stuff its our entire government system as a whole and the manner in which Illinois operates.

 

[ERICMYERS]

Please, nobody sue the state of IL.....we're broke, massively in debt, and cannot even afford to fund our schools properly anymore. Lobby all you want like I did, but for heaven's sake have some perspective.

 

[Squad10]

Please, nobody sue the state of IL.....we're broke, massively in debt, and cannot even afford to fund our schools properly anymore. Lobby all you want like I did, but for heaven's sake have some perspective.

If it happens, who would it be? Fed's? Class Action - Harris, EFJT, Tait, Kenwood? Both?