Hands-free mobile device legislation moved one step closer to becoming law, passing in the Massachusetts House on May 16. But by all accounts Amateur Radio operation while driving will remain unaffected.
Eastern Massachusetts section staff who have been in touch with legislative aides in both the House and Senate have learned the language that defines mobile devices will continue to exempt “federally-licensed 2-way radios.”
“MGL Chapter 90 Section 13 provides for the use of a federally licensed 2-way radio while driving. The hands-free bill being considered (House Bill 3793) does not alter this provision,” according to a staffer in Rep. Ferrante’s office. Another staffer from Rep. Hecht’s office also confirmed the preservation of the existing language in Chapter 90 Section 13 pertaining to federally licensed 2-way radios.
The full text of the H.3793 can be found at
<https://malegislature.gov/Bil
The text of General Law Part I, Section XIV, Chapter 90, Section 13 can be found at <https://malegislature.gov/Law
The Massachusetts Senate is expected to take up the measure in June.