09/19/2025
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio[1]¿ has launched a nationwide
grassroots campaign[2] aimed at securing the passage of federal legislation
that would grant Amateur Radio Operators the same rights to install antennas on
their property as those enjoyed by users of TV antennas, wireless internet, and
flagpoles.
The campaign, announced in an ARRL Member Bulletin[3] on September 17, 2025,
follows the reintroduction of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act in
February 2025 (see ARRL News 02/07/2025[4]). The bipartisan bills --
H.R.1094[5] in the House and S.459[6] in the Senate -- are designed to prevent
restrictive homeowners' association (HOA) rules that currently prohibit or
severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas, even when such
antennas are hidden in trees, placed in attics, mounted on vehicles, or look
like flagpoles.
"This legislation is about restoring equal rights to licensed Amateur Radio
operators," said ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR. "These restrictions hinder
not only the enjoyment of Amateur Radio, but also its vital role in emergency
communication during disasters."
Public Support Needed for Passage
To advance the legislation, ARRL is calling on its members and all licensees of
the US Amateur Radio Service to take action by sending letters to their
congressional representatives. Through a dedicated online tool at
send-a-letter.org/hoa[7], amateurs can easily generate and submit pre-drafted
letters with a few clicks.
Go to - send-a-letter.org/hoa
[8]- and help us by sending your letters to your Representative and Senators.
ARRL emphasized that every letter matters. "Your Representative and Senators
need to know that the passage of this legislation is important to you,"
included the Member Bulletin.
Amateur Radio: A National Resource
An increasing number of American homes are subject to private land-use
restrictions -- particularly in HOA-controlled developments -- which places
many radio amateurs in places that bar exterior antennas. The restrictions mean
that many hams cannot develop and practice the skills necessary to meet the
fundamental principles of the Amateur Radio Service as defined by federal
regulation[9]. Removing these barriers is a matter of national preparedness.
Supporters of the bill have all stressed the importance of Amateur Radio in
maintaining communication when other systems fail, especially in
hurricane-prone or disaster-stricken regions. Amateur Radio operators, also
known as "hams," have a 111+ year history of volunteer support to local
governments, state governments and Federal agencies when communications and
related expertise is needed. They are federally licensed and serve as a key
component of emergency communication networks during natural disasters and
public service events.
Amateur Radio also has served, and continues to serve, as a gateway for the
youth of America to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and
math. It has been the foundation for the careers of a significant number of the
leaders in American communications and technology. Programs such as the ARRL
Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology[10] and the ARRL Collegiate Amateur
Radio Program[11] are inspiring and preparing the next generation of radio
technologists.
Addressing Opposition and Misconceptions
Existing federal law already protects similar rights for other technologies.
Since 1996, Americans have been guaranteed the right to install antennas for
TV, satellite, and internet services. In 2005, Congress guaranteed to every
American the right to proudly display the American flag by installing flagpoles
in their yards -- a structure often similar to certain ham antennas --
regardless of HOA rules.
The legislation has drawn opposition from the Community Associations Institute
(CAI), a national group representing HOA interests, which ARRL characterizes as
"rabidly anti-Amateur Radio." However, ARRL insists the proposed law does not
undermine property values or safety. The bill includes provisions to preserve
local zoning authority and safety standards, and mirrors protections long
afforded to other antenna users.
ARRL has noted that twenty-nine years of experience with federally protected
antennas show no adverse effects on neighborhoods.
ARRL has also dismissed concerns that the legislation would interfere with HOA
contracts, noting that such deed restrictions are often non-negotiable and
require overwhelming community votes to change -- a process rarely feasible for
individual homeowners.
Pass The Bill
If passed, the bill would:
o Prohibit HOAs from outright banning amateur radio antennas;
o Establish an approval process for installation;
o Create a federal right of action for hams in disputed cases.
ARRL leadership has expressed strong appreciation to the bill's sponsors and
have urged swift passage, describing the measure as essential to the future of
Amateur Radio and its public service mission to America.
For more information about the ARRL grassroots campaign to pass the bill,
please visit www.arrl.org/HOA[12].
Donate and Help Us Pass the Bill!
Support ARRL's advocacy goals with a donation and help us Pass The Bill!
Donate Now: www.arrl.org/PassTheBill[13]
Your support helps ARRL engage legislative leaders to pass this bill and
provide the ability of Amateur Radio Operators to install the antennas
necessary to serve their restricted land use communities.
About ARRL¿
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio¿ was founded in 1914 as The
American Radio Relay League, and is a noncommercial organization of radio
amateurs. ARRL's mission is to promote and protect the art, science, and
enjoyment of amateur radio, and to develop the next generation of radio
amateurs. ARRL numbers within its ranks the vast majority of active radio
amateurs (or "hams") in the US and has a proud history of achievement as the
standardbearer in amateur radio affairs. ARRL is also the Secretariat of the
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). ARRL supports members with
opportunities to discover radio, to develop new skills, and to serve their
local communities. For more information about ARRL and amateur radio, visit
www.arrl.org[14].
[1] https://www.arrl.org
[2] https://www.arrl.org/HOA
[3] https://www.arrl.org/member-bulletin?issue=2025-09-17
[4] https://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-emergency-preparedness-act-re-introd
uced
[5] https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1094/text
[6] https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/459/text
[7] https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/
[8] https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/
[9] https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97
[10] https://www.arrl.org/teachers-institute-on-wireless-technology
[11] https://www.arrl.org/WeWantU
[12] http://www.arrl.org/HOA
[13] http://www.arrl.org/PassTheBill
[14] http://www.arrl.org
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