February 25, 2007
 

HB1283/SB1511 - Modification of Tennessee’s Mandatory Helmet Law (House Sponsor Dr. Joey Hensley, Senate Sponsor - Tim Burchett)

It’s been a good week for freedom at the Tennessee General Assembly. Thanks to a good turnout for CMT/ABATE’s Lobby Day we added a dozen sponsors to HB1283 with several others being added this coming week. We have now had meetings with over half the House members and many Senators. I urge anyone coming to Nashville during the week to schedule a meeting with your legislators to ask for their support of our initiatives. I am happy to accompany anyone on visits and encourage all to call, write or visit your legislators now!

I met with Senator Burchett on Wednesday and he asked me to begin the process of meeting with members of the Senate Transportation Committee so he can put the bill on notice in a couple of weeks. After the bill passes the Senate, Dr. Hensley is prepared to start the process in the House. Senator Burchett has carried the bill successfully several times and is confident it will pass the Senate.

With the changes in TN Care eliminating most riders from the rolls, any fiscal note that is attached (none yet) should be minimal. Having a practicing physician carry the "Freedom of Choice" bill has caused many legislators to take another look at supporting this legislation. 2007 can be the year that Tennessee motorcyclists finally have the right to decide.  Will you contribute? It’s YOUR FREEDOM we are talking about here.

HB1335/SB0794 - Increased penalties for right of way violations. (House Sponsor – Rob Briley, Senate Sponsor - Tim Burchett)

The Right of Way Bill is getting a good reception from lawmakers with no one expressing opposition to the bill to date. With increased monetary penalties and the opportunity for judges to suspend licenses of those who cause death or serious injury to motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists and automobile drivers this bill mirrors legislation that was successful in many states last year and the year before.

In order for this legislation to have an impact if passed, the law enforcement community and the judiciary statewide will have to be educated.  I will ask the members of CMT/ABATE to commit to the educational effort when the bill becomes law. The passage of legislation is merely the first step.  In addition to educating law enforcement and judges, we will also need to get the media involved in letting people know there may be much stiffer penalties for causing an accident. When drivers realize they may lose driving privileges, maybe they will take driving seriously.

The American Motorcyclist Association supports our efforts and has issued an alert to their 4,500 Tennessee members to make their voices heard on the ROW and Helmet bills as well as the "Kid Bill". Several legislators have told me they are hearing from AMA members. Make YOUR VOICE heard now! Come to Nashville. Call, E-mail or meet with your legislators at their office in the district. Have friends and family members do the same. Reach out to every person you know and ask them to support these bills by calling, writing or visiting their legislators. Reach out to the local MC and riding clubs in your area and ask for their support.