TNARRL

State Government Liaison (SGL)

Ingrid Klose, KD4F

📍 Address: 905 Thomastown Dr., Smyrna, TN 37067
✉️ Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: Not Provided

State Government Liaison (SGL) - Position Description

The State Government Liaison (SGL) is an Amateur Radio operator responsible for monitoring state legislative and regulatory proposals that may impact Amateur Radio.

This is an active and responsive role, requiring direct involvement rather than passive observation.

Requirements:

  • Full ARRL membership.

Responsibilities

Legislative & Regulatory Monitoring

  • Collects and disseminates information on state legislation and regulations affecting Amateur Radio.
  • Works closely with clubs and Section Managers (SMs) to ensure laws serve the mutual benefit of society and the Amateur Radio Service.
  • Monitors state government dockets, such as environmental regulations that could impact Amateur Radio.
  • Watches for key legislative terms that could affect Amateur Radio, such as:
    • Antennas (dish, microwave, PCS, cellular, towers, structures, satellite, television, lighting).
    • Mobile radio, radio receivers, radio interference, and TV interference.
    • Scanners, license plates, cable television, ham radio, and headphones in automobiles.
    • Lightning protection, antenna radiation, and biological effects of radio signals.

Advocacy & Representation

  • Guides, encourages, and supports individual radio amateurs and clubs in advocating for Amateur Radio interests at all levels.
  • Coordinates with ARRL Headquarters on federal-level matters as needed.
  • Cooperates closely with other section-level officials, including:
    • Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC)
    • Public Information Coordinator (PIC)
  • Acts proactively to prevent negative legislative actions against Amateur Radio.

Reporting & Communication

  • Reports directly to the Section Manager (SM) on a regular basis.
  • Keeps ARRL Headquarters informed of any legislative or regulatory developments that may have policy implications.
  • Ideally, establishes access or relationships with state government offices (e.g., state capitol bill rooms) to track legislation as it is introduced.
  • Monitors media coverage for news of regulatory or legislative initiatives affecting Amateur Radio.

Inter-Section Coordination

  • In states with multiple ARRL sections, SMs whose territories do not include the state capital may defer to the SGL in the capital section.
  • In this case, the SGL must communicate with all Section Managers, SECs, and other section officials.
  • In sections covering multiple government entities (e.g., Maryland-DC, Pacific), multiple SGLs may be appointed.

Recruitment & Membership Growth

  • Recruiting new radio amateurs and ARRL members is a core responsibility of every SGL.
  • The SGL should take every opportunity to promote amateur radio and expand ARRL membership.
  • Strengthening Field Organization programs enhances public service capabilities.

Final Note

The role of heading off undesirable state government actions is critically important to the Amateur Radio community!

  • Be active and responsive.
  • Work closely with clubs, Section Managers, and ARRL Headquarters.
  • Ensure the best possible legal and regulatory environment for Amateur Radio.