Legislation co-authored by Representative Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) regarding broadcast technicians and engineers was signed into law by Governor Pence.
To ensure that the public has quick access to emergency information, House Enrolled Act 1037 allows the appropriate personnel access to make any necessary repairs to communication devices.
Under current Indiana law, broadcast engineers and technicians could be arrested for entering disaster-affected areas that haven’t been cleared by first responders.
This makes it more difficult for these workers to do their job, and subsequently more difficult for people in those areas to get the information they need.
“When a tornado struck the community of Marysville in 2012, the local radio station was not able to broadcast for more than two days,” said Rep. Frye. “Now more than ever, the public relies on radio and TV for information during times of emergency. When human lives could be at risk, it is extremely important that these information outlets are up and running.”
Indiana will join 18 other states that currently have similar legislation when the law goes into effect July 1.
