MA Adult Helmet Choice Bill Clears First Big Hurdle !
Date: April 11, 2008
(State House, MA) News was received earlier this week that the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Transportation has voted the adult helmet choice bill 'favorably' out of its Committee, recommending it "ought to pass."
Senate Bill No. 2076 (http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/senate/185/st02/st02076.htm), filed by Senator Mike Morrissey of the Quincy area, seeks to modify the existing statute, by requiring helmets on those operators and passengers under 21 years of age, or 18 and older if they've taken a qualified Rider Education Course.
Senate Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Steve Baddour of the Haverhill to Amesbury area, pushed hard for passage, after two similar House bills had been referred to 'study.'
The MMA's Director of Government Relations got the news of the Committee's 'favorable, ought to pass' recommendation Wednesday night, while attending a fundraising event for Senator Baddour's re-election. He was at the political fundraiser as a result of the generous donations by MMA members and other riders to ABATEPAC of MA (http://abatepacofma.org/), which issued a $250 support check.
Senate, No. 2076 has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Rules. From there it will likely go to the Senate Committee on Bills in Third Reading, then go to the Senate floor for its 2nd reading, then 3rd reading and enactment, before being sent to the House.
MMA leaders are reviewing matters now with State House leaders, and are looking at re-starting our Government Relations Rough Rider Representatives (GRRR) Deputies program - to get the word out to all riders in Massachusetts who want CHOICE.
For now, savor this victory that you've earned with the bill's successful passage out of the Transportation Committee, and HELP take the next step by joining us for our annual MMA 'STORM THE STATE HOUSE' Lobbying Day,
Thursday, May 15, 2008. .See www.MassMotorcycle.org to register and purchase STORM items, including new $5 raffle tickets with prizes of 100 gallons of gas, MMA jackets, shirts, and 5 Harley Raffle tickets
And continue making your donations to the ABATE PAC. Remember, this is an election year and we need riders to support the campaign events of those officials supporting YOUR CHOICE.
See www.abatepacofma.org where donations can be made on line or via the mail.
A tip of the beanie to all who have helped and get ready to ROAR ON !