Make the Choice to Make a Change

Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee/ABATE are now actively supporting the following pieces of legislation before the 103rd General Assembly, State of Tennessee. These bill were all filed and introduced by 24 February 2003 per Tennessee statutes.

HB0952 / SB0861 'Motorcycle Helmet Modification Bill'

Sponsored by Rep. John Tidwell (D) New Johnsonville, and Sen. Tim Burchett (R) Knoxville.
This bill will allow adult motorcyclists, 21 and older, to decide when and where to wear any motorcycle helmet of their choice. THIS IS A PERSONAL FREEDOM BILL.

HB1054 / SB1200 'Stop Light Bill'

Sponsored by Rep. Joe McCord (R) Maryville, and Sen. Bill Clabough (R) Maryville.
This bill will allow motorcyclists to, "after waiting a reasonable period of time", to treat non-functioning vehicle detection devices (ground loops at traffic signals) as 4-way stop signs and "proceed with due caution when it is safe to do so."

HB1819 / SB1765 'Brake Light Bill'

Sponsored by Rep. Phillip Johnson (R) Pegram, and Sen. Doug Jackson (D) Dickson,
This bill will allow the installation of aftermarket 'temporarily pulsing' brake lights on motorcycles. This is defined as a motorcycle brake light which "pulses rapidly" for a few seconds "and then converts to a continuous light as a normal brake lamp until such time as the brake is released".

SJR0104 'Motorcycle Awareness Month'

Sponsored by Sen. Rosalind Kurita (D) Clarksville, and Rep. Phillip Johnson (R) Pegram.
This Senate Joint Resolution will designate May 2003 as "Motorcycle Awareness Month". Increasing awareness of motorcycling in Tennessee is the purpose of this proclamation.

HB1899 / SB1863 'Anti-discrimination Bill'

Sponsored by Rep. Joe McCord (R) Maryville, and Sen. Tim Burchett (R) Knoxville.
This bill would allow for "civil damages in an amount of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000)" and collection of "attorney fees and litigation costs" for those deemed guilty of discriminatory practices. It states "it is a discriminatory practice for any person to deny …goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and accommodations… on the grounds that the individual is wearing distinguishing insignia, patch, specialized clothing, tattoo, earring, beard or jewelry. This bill is the result of efforts by the Tennessee Confederation of Clubs. 

HB1568 / SB0875 'Off Highway-Vehicle Motor Vehicle Act''

Sponsored by Rep. Joe McCord (R) Maryville, and Sen. Ron Ramsey (R) Blountville.
This bill will establish and implement an off-highway motor vehicle program for Tennessee. A Commission will be established to facilitate and regulate off-highway vehicles and annual registration fees will fund all associated activities. This bill is the result of efforts by several organizations including VSTA and OHV Tennessee.

Each of these bills will afford motorcyclists in Tennessee to practice their choice of transportation/recreation with more freedom and enhanced safety and enjoyment. If you support any of these pieces of legislation please contact your elected officials today. ALL Tennessee residents can contact their state legislators by calling 1-800-449-8366 and following the menu, or via the Internet at http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/.
Only you can make the choice to make a change.