SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5055

BYSenators Owen and Pullen

Authorizing ham radio operators to lease state lands.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 27, 19876; February 24, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5055 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; DeJarnatt, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, Craswell, Patterson, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  February 24, 2987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, ON FEBRUARY 24, 1987

BACKGROUND:

There are ten sites on state trust lands where amateur radio operators are permitted to lease space for their equipment.  Fees for the use of the sites for two-way reception run from $733 to $1,014 per year; for amateur radio operators, the fees run from $227 to $314 per year.  These reduced fees only apply if space is not at a premium in the Department of Natural Resources facility.

Amateur radio operators provide services for search and rescue operations, forest fire information and disaster relief support. Washington has approximately 12,600 amateur radio operators, this number is increasing at about 2-1/2 percent per year.  Washington ranks tenth in the United States in the number of amateur radio operators.

There is concern that the existing fees are too high and that the annual rental cost may prohibit some operators and operator clubs from using facilities which would benefit the state from their support of search and rescue and law enforcement.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature finds that amateur radio groups provide important communication services to the general public and to local, state and federal agencies.  By leasing state lands at reduced rates to amateur radio operators, the Legislature intends to help the operators perform their public services, including supporting law enforcement personnel, aiding in search and rescue efforts, providing an emergency communications network and in helping with disaster relief.  Due to public benefits, the lease of state lands should be granted at nominal cost.

The Department may lease lands to amateur operators providing public services and shall charge an annual fee of $10 for the use of the site by amateur radio operators.  The Department shall develop guidelines for leasing sites on state lands to operators and shall provide a preference where possible for such use.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The fee is set at $25 annually and the amateur equipment shall be available for emergency purposes.  The term "ham radio operator" is replaced with the term "amateur radio operator".

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Bradley Wells, American Radio Relay League; Mert Box, Thurston County Emergency Services Coordinator; Ruth and John Barber; Reade Apgar, American Radio Relay League; Ted Van Tuyl, King County Search and Rescue; Pat McElroy, Department of Natural Resources