Legislative Update 1/29/2009

Week three and things are starting to settle in to some sort of “routine.”  So far there are only two bills that look to be in less than the best interest of motorcyclists, but I will save that for later.

The good news is that HB 1403 (Addressing the detection of motorcycles and bicycles at vehicle-activated traffic control signals.) is scheduled for a hearing in house transportation.  It will be heard next Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3:30 PM in house hearing room B.

And now for a bit of protocol, direction, and advice on the hearing process:

1.     Brevity is essential. The Bicycle Alliance of Washington is taking the lead on the bill, so their representative will be the first one to give testimony.  I will sign in as testifying in favor, but I will only be speaking if it is absolutely necessary.  The remaining bicycle enthusiasts that come will most likely sign in as in favor but not testifying.  The motorcycling community should do the same.   If you do have some anecdotal stories to tell it is always appropriate to submit your remarks in writing to the committee.  The committee members have lots on their plates, and the last thing they need to listen to is the same point being made over and over.  They will appreciate it if we keep it short and sweet. (I fully intend to keep my remarks to a minimum, and anyone who has known me for very long knows what a sacrifice that is.)

2.    Proper decorum is a must.  Do not congregate just outside the entrance to the hearing room.  When you enter the John L. O'Brien building, proceed to the hearing room, remove your hat and enter quietly, and find a seat.  Finally, do not forget to silence your cell phone.  When the hearing is over, if you do not wish to stay for the rest of the agenda feel free to quietly exit, both the room and the building.

See you at the hearing.

Now, for the rest of the news:

SB 5387 , the companion bill for HB 1403 has yet to see any action.  Senator Haugen has other irons in the fire, so she may wait for the house version to come across before she considers the issue.  I continue to hear interest in the issue.

SB 5652  (Requiring a reduction in toll rates charged to motorcycles) has been dropped in the senate and forwarded to Senate Transportation.  Representative Dan Roach (R-31) will be dropping the house version in the next few days.  Considering the budget issues, either of these bills will have an uphill battle.

SB 5552 (Modifying restrictions on children riding motorcycles) is another attempt to regulate how responsible riders take their children riding.  We have been there before and demonstrated many times the there is no problem, to there is no problem to solve, but some people just need to regulate any behavior that seems to look “risky.”  The good news is that the word I keep hearing is that most of the senate sees to pressing need to work on this issue.  It is too early to start lighting up phone lines, since this may be destined to go nowhere, but it is not too early for you to start composing your statements.  If it looks like this issue has any traction at all I will definitely be sending out a high priority legislative action alert.  Then is when we will light up the servers and switchboards.

HB 1497 (Eliminating boards and commissions) is an interesting piece of work.  It came out of a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) study concerning boards and commissions, and calls for the elimination of all boards and commissions.  That would eliminate the Motorcycle Safety Program, but don't panic.  Most likely, either this bill, or the Governor’s proposal, which has yet to be released, will be turned into a work in progress after the session adjourns.  I have already offered to join into the process if that is indeed the case.  Again, no need to open fire, but get the ammo loaded so that we can move on a moment’s notice.

Finally, there is HB 1344 (Exempting enclosed, three-wheeled passenger vehicles from the motorcycle endorsement requirement) which exempts these high mileage three wheeled cars that are starting to show up from being designated as a motorcycle or having a requirement to be endorsed to operate one.  There is no real issue for the motorcycling community, but this should be an interesting show to watch.

As of yet, while there are rumors of a helmet law reform bill, one has yet to hit the intro sheets.  I will get that out on the wire when it happens.

Until then, Ride safe and legislate well.