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A bill to be entitled

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An act relating to radio equipment using law enforcement

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frequencies; amending s. 843.16, F.S.; providing an

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exception to the prohibition on the use of such equipment

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for specified personnel using personal transportation to

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and from work and for certain government employees;

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providing an effective date.

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Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

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     Section 1.  Subsection (3) of section 843.16, Florida

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Statutes, is amended to read:

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     843.16  Unlawful to install or transport radio equipment

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using assigned frequency of state or law enforcement officers;

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definitions; exceptions; penalties.--

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     (3) This section does shall not apply to the following:

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     (a) Any holder of a valid amateur radio operator or station

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license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

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     (b) or to Any recognized newspaper or news publication

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engaged in covering the news on a full-time basis.

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     (c) or Any alarm system contractor certified pursuant to

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part II of chapter 489, operating a central monitoring system.

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     (d) Any sworn law enforcement officer as defined in

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s.943.10(1) or emergency service employee as defined in s.

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496.404(9) while using personal transportation to and from work.

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     (e) An employee of a government agency that holds a valid

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Federal Communications Commission station license or a valid

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agreement or contract allowing access to another agency's radio

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station.

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     Section 2.  This act shall take effect July 1, 2008.