Lance Files Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act
House Communications Subcommittee Vice Chairman Leonard Lance, R-N.J., filed his Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement (Pirate) Act Tuesday, drawing praise from FCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly and the New Jersey Broadcasters Association. The bill, which Lance circulated in draft form…
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earlier this year, would increase fines for illegal pirate operations from $10,000 per violation to $100,000 per day per violation, up to a maximum of $2 million. It would streamline FCC enforcement to empower state and local law enforcement agencies' to undertake anti-pirate operations (see 1803150055 and 1803210035). House Communications examined the then-draft measure during a March hearing (see 1803220055). “This bill rightfully increases the penalties, requires regular enforcement sweeps, and augments the tools available to the Commission, which are woefully inadequate and outdated, to deal with illegal pirate broadcasters,” O'Rielly said. “The bill notably excludes legitimate Part 15 operations, otherwise known as radio hobbyists. ... I think the PIRATE Act has a great chance of becoming law.” NJBA asked "Congress to direct the FCC to increase its pirate enforcement budget and activities and to offer legislation and devote the resources necessary to eliminating the pirate radio problem" in New Jersey and New York City during a visit to Capitol Hill, said President Paul Rotella. “Most people do not understand the very real danger pirate radio operators put the public in through their illegal transmissions. These pirate radio stations cause interference to” the emergency alert system and “FAA frequencies that could interfere with airline communications and also create excessive, unmeasured RF radiation to residents and businesses in the buildings they operate in, which may present significant health concerns.”