The NH-ARRL has given testimony before the House Transportation Committee in Concord, 3 times since 1994 seeking support for legislation to issue Amateur Radio Specialty License Plates. In each of the three visits we were unsuccessful. Giving testimony, at best can be termed an experience. The last effort took place in 2002-2003.

The last time we were soundly defeated on a vote of 18 to 2, and here is why.

Objections from the Transportation Committee based on an analysis of questions posed:

1. What is the population of radio operators in NH?
   Answer - Approximately 5000

2. What purpose would a specialty plate serve?
   Answer - A specialty plate would provide easy recognition and free and easy access to a restricted site in times of emergency.

3. With 5000 operator in NH, how many participate in emergency communications (ARES)?
   Answer - Less than 300 members in ARES.

4. You would expect us to bare the expense to provide 300 out of 5000 specialty plates?
   Answer - Far more than the 300 who participate in emergency communications would purchase plates if reasonably priced.

5. Why would you want to provide plates to those who do not participate in emergency communications?
   Answer - Each radio operator is a potential emergency communicator in times of emergency.

6. When was the last time you responded to a restricted site situation?
   Answer - The ice storm in New London NH in 1998.

7. Were you denied access to the area by police?
   Answer - No but having to prove who you were was at times an inconvenience.

8. The cost of a special license plate would be in excess of $5,000.00 for plate artwork and necessary equipment to print and administer the issuance of the plate. Would the radio operator community be willing to come up with $ 5000.00 to offset the costs?
   Answer - No

9. How many plates would you expect to be issued based on 5000 radio operators?
   Answer - 700 to 1000

We did some math that revealed that there were nearly 5000 hams on the FCC data base, discounting that amount based upon ARRL standards we determined that about 1500 were SKs, but because of the 10 year license, they are still on the FCC data base. We also discounted another 1500 for children and seniors who do not drive and those hams who only have one vehicle in the family or those who don't have a registered vehicle - This puts the number down to approximately 2000.

Based on a survey we sent out, only 500 to 700 would pay an extra fee for the vanity plate. We determined from this survey that 500 of the 700 already had vanity plates with their call on them. We also determined that of the 700 only 150 of the ARES membership had vanity plates.

Of the 500 or so who did have vanity plates with their call sign, we asked would they be willing to spend another 5 or 10 dollars above what they are already paying to offset the cost of the $ 5000 specialty plate production costs.

• "Virtually nobody" would agree to pay more. In fact of the 2000 hams surveyed, most said they felt that "they" deserved a reduced price break for all the communications that Amateur Radio provides in times of emergency. Again, less than 300 people in NH)

• How many hams showed up at the legislative hearing in support the plate bill?
  Answer - less than 20

• How many "hams" showed up to the legislative hearing against the plate bill?
  Answer - Believe it or not 2

There is law already on the books in NH that says that all special interest legislation must be "revenue neutral". This means "no cost to the State of NH".

At the time, even the plate bill to honor our fire fighters and EMTs did not make it through the committee.

We never had a chance, and with less than 300 people participating in "a real emergency communication support functions" not Field Day contesting - - It is hard to question their decision.

By the way the two yes votes on the House Transportation Committee were legislators who were hams.

Al
SM/NH