Amateur Radio Service and Private Land Mobile Services Act of 1981

(Measure passed Senate, amended)

Amateur Radio Service and Private Land Mobile Services Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate minimum performance standards for audio and visual electronic equipment to reduce their susceptibility to radio interference.

Exempts amateur radio transmissions, transmissions by radio stations for the general public, and distress transmissions from the secrecy provisions of such Act.

Limits broadcast license terms and renewals for: (1) television stations to five years; (2) radio stations to seven years; and (3) other classes of stations to five years. Limits the license term and renewal for Amateur or Personal (Citizen) Radio Services to ten years. Deletes the prohibition against the FCC requiring license renewal applicants to file certain information.

Requires the FCC to consider specified items in managing the spectrum available to the private land mobile services. Authorizes the FCC to delegate to non-Governmental coordinating committees the coordination of certain frequencies for stations in the private land mobile services.

Authorizes the FCC to use as volunteers: (1) licensed amateur station operators to monitor amateur transmission violations; (2) licensed citizens band radio operators to monitor citizens band transmission violations; and (3) licensed amateur station operators to prepare or administer examinations for amateur station operator licenses. Prohibits any such volunteer from being considered a Federal employee.

Defines private land mobile services.

Authorizes the FCC to allow radio stations to operate without licenses in the Radio Control or Citizen Band Radio Services if the station operators comply with the Communications Act of 1934 and applicable regulations.