80(R) HB 3689 - Introduced version - Bill Text
This is annoying enough for amateur operators, but hey, truckers? This outlaws ALL radio operation in vehicles, except emergency vehicles. Are you guys paying attention?
"(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle unless:
(1) the vehicle is stopped; or
(2) the wireless communication device is used with a hands-free device."
Not too many "hands-free" CB radios out there. Look for the troopers to be all over this when it goes into effect.
UPDATE: the Senate version has defined "wireless communication device" to be "a device that uses a commercial mobile service, as defined by 47 U.S.C. Section 332."
In other words, a cellphone. The house version is still in comittee, but did not have that definition when it went in.
UPDATE: Both bills died without action. The senator from San Antonio was absolutely determined that NO ONE was going to talk on a radio while operating a vehicle. Both hands on the wheel at all times, was his motto. He eventually was won over by the ARRL section VP to cut hams some slack, so when he reintroduces this bill in the next legislature, I hope he remembers to do it again.
I just returned from several days in Orlando (actually Kissimmee), Florida. I took my Yaesu VX-2R along, and determined that the near total lack of activity on repeaters is not confined to the Dallas-Fort Worth area (storms excluded, of course).
So I packed my VX in the bag, locked the bag with a TSA padlock, and handed it to the TSA agent in Orlando.
Upon arrival in Dallas, the padlock showed that it had been opened by TSA. And the VX was gone.
Your tax dollars at work, providing thieves with high-tech equipment so they can spot the items to steal, use their federally authorized privilege to open the bag, and take it.
Some major changes to WA5ICA are coming. Stay tuned.
Suffice it to say that "Low power and a lower budget" will be changed to "Not so low power and NO budget".
Check back in three weeks.