HR555: Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2017

This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to amend station antenna structure regulations to prohibit a private land use restriction from applying to amateur radio stations if the restriction:

• precludes communications in an amateur radio service,
• fails to permit a licensee of amateur radio service to install and maintain an effective outdoor antenna on property under its exclusive use or control, or
• is not the minimum practicable restriction to accomplish the lawful purposes of a community association seeking to enforce the restriction.

Before installing an outdoor antenna, however, an amateur radio licensee must obtain a community association’s prior approval. A community association may: (1) prohibit installations on common property not under the exclusive control of the licensee, and (2) establish installation rules for amateur radio antennas and support structures.