[UPDATED 2015-10-22 1245 UTC]:The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 bill in the US House (H.R. 1301) now has 106 cosponsors! ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, credited ARRL members “who understand the importance of the legislation” with making it possible to reach that milestone.

“They have signed letters at hamfests and conventions all over the country, at booths staffed by Directors, Vice Directors, Section Managers, and other ARRL officials,” President Craigie said. Backing up those efforts have been recent personal visits to Capitol Hill by ARRL Directors Dick Isely, W9GIG, and Mike Lisenco, N2YBB, as well as by General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD.

The 100th cosponsor of H.R. 1301 was Rep Larry Bucshon [R-IN], who signed aboard on October 16. Six more cosponsors added their names on October 20 and 21. They are Reps Steve Chabot, [R-OH], Mike Bost [R-IL], and Frank LoBiondo [R-NJ]; Katherine Clark [D-MA]; Thomas MacArthur [R-NJ], and Sheila Jackson Lee [D-TX].

The Amateur Radio Parity Act would direct the FCC to extend its Part 97 Amateur Radio Service rules relating to “reasonable accommodation” of Amateur Service communications to include private land use restrictions. There are two bills, one in the US House and one in the US Senate. US Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced H.R. 1301 on March 4 with 12 original cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. US Sen Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced S. 1685 into the US Senate on June 25, with Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) as the original cosponsor.

“We are not done by any means,” President Craigie added. “Let’s push the numbers up and keep our representatives and senators aware of how much we care about this issue.”

She noted that Scouting’s Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) over the October 17-18 weekend introduced thousands of youngsters to Amateur Radio. “Let’s make sure their interest can blossom, even if their parents have chosen to live in communities that don’t allow antennas at this time,” President Craigie urged. “These young people need what Amateur Radio has to offer, and Amateur Radio certainly needs them. Please help them be the future.”

The ARRL recently introduced a “Clarity on Parity” video, and not only has it been made available on Capitol Hill, it would make an informative Amateur Radio club meeting program. A “Clarity on Amateur Radio Parity” document stresses many of the same points.

The ARRL Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 page provides more information on the legislation and explains how members can become involved.