RED ALERT !!!

February 6th, 2010
I know this is short notice but that is how things work in Nashville.
 
HB2551(Dean)  To add motorcycles to the lemon law.
 
This bill will be heard in House Committee Consumer and Employee Affairs;
Subcommittee Consumer Affairs, February 9th @ 8:30 am CST.
THAT’S THIS TUESDAY !!!!!!
 
HB2551 is the second bill on the agenda for the day and there is only two
bills being heard that morning.
 
If you live nearby and can make it that day anyone’s presence will be GREATLY APPRECIATED.
 
But no matter if you can make it or not YOU MUST FIRE UP THE PHONES.
 
You have Monday morning so get to it.
 
The Subcommittee Consumer Affairs has the following members:
 
Jim Eldridge, Chair                   R – District 73 [pt of Madison County]                            Jackson, TN       (615) 741-7475
Jim Hackworth, Vice Chair      D – District 33 [pt of Anderson County]                          Clinton, TN         (615) 741-4400
Glen Casada*                          R – District 63 [pt of Williamson County]                        Franklin, TN        (615) 741-4389
Judd Matheny*                        R – District 47 [Coffee County & pt of Warren County]  Tullahoma, TN    (615) 741-7448
Jeanne Richardson                   D – District 89 [pt of Shelby County]                               Memphis, TN     (615) 741-2010
Johnnie Turner                         D – District 85 [pt of Shelby County]                               Memphis, TN     (615) 741-6954
* co-sponsors.
 
Please tell them you would like their support in regards to House Bill 2551.  This bill will allow motorcycles to be included
in the current state lemon law.  Some motorcycles cost more than a car and the consumer (you) should be protected
under this statute.
 
Be polite and if they say no ask why and get back to me.
 
NOW IS THE TIME.  SIX PEOPLE WILL DECIDE THE FATE OF OUR BILL.
 
GET THE PHONE CALLS GOING.
Scott McColpin
CMT/ABATE
State Legislative Director
423-432-2708
legislative@cmtabate.com
www.cmtabate.com

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February Legislative Update

February 4th, 2010

LEGISLATIVE RAMBLINGS – Issue #2

February, 2010

Welcome to the last half of the 106th General Assembly.  I spent all day in Nashville just this last Wednesday (Jan. 27th) and want to communicate my efforts on our progress.

The three bills that CMT/ABATE is working on this year are listed below.

 HB2551(Dean)/SB2649(Burchett):

This bill will allow motorcycles to be added to the lemon law regarding warranty protection.  I think this is going to be a ground breaking legislative bill for the state of Tennessee and will hopefully set a new precedent in other states.  We have already obtained 8 co-sponsors for this piece of legislation.  The co-sponsors are Todd, Harmon, Casada, Brooks K., Matheny, Tidwell, Hensley and McCormick.

 HB2633(Deberry J)/SB2787(Burchett):

This bill will allow motorcycles to display their tags vertically instead of the traditional horizontal configuration.  Virginia and Florida have already passed similar legislation in regard to vertical tags.  We currently don’t have any other co-sponsors to this bill.  So the phone calls need to get fired up.  Get your state representative on board and ask if he/she will co-sponsor this legislation.  There has already been a negative fiscal note attached to this bill.  If you read the note it says that the state stands to lose $1,100 for not being able to write such tickets.  When does the state of Tennessee fund its budget by issuing citations to its citizens?  Police departments across this state are not supposed to issue tickets to fund their agenda; they are supposed to issue them for the safety of its citizens.  This fiscal note is a direct attack against motorcyclists across this state.  I urge every member to call and voice their opinion on this issue.

 HB2648(Tidwell)/SB2562(Southerland):

This bill will allow motorcyclists from states that do not require helmets to enjoy that freedom while riding in this state.  We are currently working hard on this legislation and have already attracted GREAT opposition.  There currently is no fiscal note attached to this bill but I expect one shortly.

 Not only does each member of CMT/ABATE need to call and thank these representatives you need to get your elected official on board.

Now is the time to step up and call your officials.  Or watch your rights get trampled into the ground once again.  As a friend of mine says get off your butt and do something about it, before it’s gone.

I’m still keeping and eye on HB0036 by Rep. G. Hardaway.  This bill will remove the exemptions that are in the current law for helmeted All Terrain Vehicles.  CMT/ABATE is opposed to this bill because of the safety issue in requiring mandatory helmet use and on private property.  There has been no new action on this bill but we must still be vigilant and keep our eyes open.

February 24th (Wednesday), is our Legislative Day in Nashville.  Please try to come and lets see how many leather clad motorcyclists we can get on the hill.  The bills we are running this year are just that–bills.  Do you want to see the law change in the state of Tennessee?  Then please take the time to come to Nashville on the 24th and be there by 9:00 am CST. Room 112, War Memorial Building.

So remember I can’t do it by myself.  It takes everyone to get involved.

Or you can watch your rights fade away.

Scott McColpin,State Legislative Director
(423) 432-2708
legislative@cmtabate.com
www.cmtabate.com

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“How can I help?”

December 12th, 2008

Are you concerned about your rights?  Do you disagree with some existing law, or some bill that has just been introduced?  Is there some new bill you would like to see introduced and passed into law?  Are you ready to get involved with your legislative process, but you don’t know how?

I’m glad you asked!  CMT/ABATE is a grass roots political organization, with no paid lobbyists.  This is a volunteer organization, and your contributions will be very much appreciated.

One direct way of helping is to learn about the issues and contact your elected officials, letting them know where you stand.  A phone call or letter from a constituent is very important, and is always taken seriously.  It’s surprising how few people actually take the time to talk to the people they elect, and voice their opinions.  We can help you understand the issues, and we can help you contact your elected officials.

You can also become a member of CMT/ABATE.  As our membership grows, we can speak with a louder voice.  Our elected officials want to know how we feel about the issues.  They know that as the State Motorcycle Rights Organization, CMT/ABATE represents the views of thousands of bikers throughout Tennessee.  The bigger we are, the more attention we can get.

There are countless ways to help, from simply supporting our events, to stuffing envelopes, to writing a “letter to the editor” and many, many more.  Come to our meetings, and learn who we are.  We have 17 active charters, holding monthly meetings throughout Tennessee.  Drop by and say hello.  Click here to see a charter map, and here for meeting and contact information.

Bob Celmer
Webmaster

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Welcome to the CMT/ABATE Legislative Blog

December 11th, 2008

Your CMT/ABATE Legislative team will use this blog to provide regular legislative updates, and to make action requests.  When you want to know what’s going on with our Legislative efforts here in Tennessee, or if you want to know how you can help out, this is the place to look!

If you have any questions or concerns about this blog, please email “Webmaster” at cmtabate.com.

For legislative questions or concerns, send an email to “Legislative” at cmtabate.com.

Membership questions?  You guessed it.  “Membership” at cmtabate.com

Bob Celmer
Webmaster

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