Chris Pritchard - WY7UPR Section Manager

HB 0070 and HB 0094

Update 2/10/08

Response from Bill Thompson

Chris,Today at our Democratic Caucuss I talked with Representative Esquible about your concern. Has no objection to adding amateur radio to the exemptions. Our problem now is to get the bill into committee....needs 2/3 s vote of the House to introduce a non-budget bill.  Good luck to all of us.  Have a good one.   Bill

The following was submitted by our SM on 2/8/08

To:       Wyoming House of Representatives

Re:       Rep. Esquibel’s HB0070 and HB 0094 Use of Wireless Devices while Driving

Dear Wyoming Representative,

I would like to comment on House Bills 0070 and 0094 submitted by Rep. Esquibel.  After reading both bills I find no allowance for use of amateur radio.  As Section Manager for the national organization for amateur radio operators ARRL – the American Radio Relay League, I provide support for our over 1700 amateur radio operators in the state. Many of these radio operators are involved in emergency communications activities in their vehicle, homes and at the Emergency Operations centers located throughout Wyoming. This would be severely curtailed if this bill is enacted.

Ham radio operators have undergone extensive testing and training to utilize their skills by Federal and local governments, which involves the use of mobile radio communications. It is very important during emergency situations and has shown its value in such occasions such as 9-11, forest fires and hurricane Katrina and is supported by FEMA and Homeland Security.

I notice that Rep. Esquibel exempts CB operation from limitations in the bill, but not amateur radio. We will heartily support this bill if amateur radio is added to the bill’s exceptions, but will oppose it if not.

Thank you very much for your time and please contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Chris Pritchard, WY7UPR

Wyoming Section Manager

Sweetwater County Emergency Communications Volunteer

Posted 2/8/08
Wyoming Section Amateur Radio Operator -

It is legislative time again and Rep. Esquibel of Cheyenne has introduced his perennial wireless communication bill, although two
essentially identical bills HB 0070 and HB 0094 regarding use of wireless communication while driving. The bill expressly excludes CB but not ham radio or emergency communication.

Check it out at: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2008/billindex/BillCrossRef.aspx?type=HB

I would recommend you contact your state representatives and local Emergency Management personnel and ask they contact Rep. Esquibel to add amateur radio use while driving to the bill, while stressing the use of amateur radio for emergency communication. Rob Cleveland N7EMA has already contacted Rep. Esquibel with an eloquent letter expressing these opinions and more. Thanks Rob, and to Bill Rideout K7YM for contacting Rep. Esquibel personally.

Legislators may be contacted by:

http://legisweb.state.wy.us/leginfo/ContactLegs.htm

Please follow up and assist Rep. Esquibel in formulating more informed
legislation.

Sincerely,

Chris Pritchard, WY7UPR
Section Manger - WY

New WY Section Manager Announced

The ARRL has announced the appointment of our new WY Section Manager, Chris Pritchard - WY7UPR.  See the full story on the ARRL Site.  Chris takes over on Jan 1 and completes the term vacated by Dwayne - WY7FD.

Election Results In for Division Director and 

Vice Director

Thank you for voting!!  The results are in.  The new Division Director-elect is Bryan Mileshosky, N5ZGT and the Vice Director-elect is Dwayne Allen, WY7FD.  See the full article at the ARRL website.  Election Results from ARRL

Field Day Results

Thanks to Chris Pritchard who emailed out this information on WY stations participating in Field Day.  Please note, the stations listed below under numbers 1 and 4 were Colorado individuals operating from WY.

Last Updated 07/07/08