SB 5201-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Provides that, to further the public purpose of encouraging the expansion of the ham radio network, a work group shall be convened.

Requires the work group to submit a written report to the governor and to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by December 1, 2003. The report shall include, but not be limited to, recommendations for regulating ham radio antenna heights in urban areas; for a credential to indicate that the person holding it is a trained and qualified emergency worker within the context of chapter 38.52 RCW; and for encouraging the expansion of the ham radio network so that ideally there are no inhabited areas of the state without communication links for use in emergencies.

Appropriates the sum of five hundred dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, from the general fund to the military department for the purposes of reimbursing the expenses of participating in and attending meetings of the work group that are incurred by the private citizens serving as representatives of the ham radio community, to whom no other compensation is provided.