S. 459 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Feb 6, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryProtects amateur radio antennas from HOA bans
Ever wondered why some ham radio operators can't put up antennas on their own property. This bill limits homeowners' associations and other private groups from blocking or restricting amateur radio station antennas. It allows certain reasonable restrictions, like requiring antennas to meet safety codes or building standards, but it keeps groups from imposing rules that would make it too hard, costly, or slow to install and operate amateur radio equipment. The bill also lets people sue if their rights are violated.
How it affects you
If you're an amateur radio operator who owns your home, this bill could let you install an antenna even if your homeowners' association or other property restrictions previously prevented it. The protections are limited—groups can still require that antennas be safe and follow building codes—but the goal is to keep you from being blocked entirely. Most other people wouldn't be directly affected.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Feb 6, 2025)
Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
This bill limits the adoption and enforcement of private land use restrictions (e.g., rules of a homeowners' association) that prohibit, restrict, or impair the installation, maintenance, or operation of an amateur station antenna on property controlled by an amateur radio operator.
Private land use restrictions are deemed to prohibit, restrict, or impair the installation, maintenance, or operation of an amateur station antenna if they unreasonably delay, prevent, or increase the cost or difficulty of such installation, maintenance, or operation; or if they prevent or degrade the reception or transmission of a signal acceptable to the operator.
However, the bill permits certain private land use restrictions, including restrictions that require amateur station antennas (1) to be maintained in a structurally safe condition; or (2) to be installed in compliance with manufacturer specifications, applicable zoning ordinances, amateur radio tower ordinances, and building codes.
The bill also establishes certain limits on the adoption and enforcement of private land use restrictions that require an amateur radio operator to obtain prior approval before installing an amateur station antenna, and exempts certain categories of amateur station antenna from prior approval requirements altogether.
Finally, the bill sets forth procedures for the enforcement of these provisions and provides a private right of action for individuals harmed by violations of the provisions.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 459
A BILL
Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
Sponsor: Sen. Roger F. Wicker (R-MS) · Introduced Feb 6, 2025 · Science, Technology, Communications · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Feb 6, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.”