We have some good news today on Oregon HB2377 which will limit hand held cell phone use and texting from a motor vehicle. The Senate sub-committee met yesterday and passed an amendment to the bill that will exempt Amateur Radio mobile equipment using push to talk microphones. I was present and provided testimony at the hearing. It was a packed hearing room and the committee chair person indicated she must have heard from every ham radio operator in Oregon by mail or telephone. The bill still has to go to the full Senate for a vote and is expected to make one more pass through the House. The governor is reportedly ready to sign it when it reaches his office. It could still be blocked in the Senate or House and not make it out in this session. At least Amateur Radio is covered now. Here is the amendment passed yesterday. HB 2377-A12 Amendments to A-Engrossed House Bill 2377 On page 2 of the printed A-Engrossed bill, line 6, delete "or". After line 6 insert: "(i) To a person who holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued or any other license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and is operating an amateur radio: There was a similar line item change exempting Citizens or FRS radios from the House Bill.