 A Repeal Bill in 2003 March 24, 2003 When I got word that Senator Shaffer introduced SB-274 on March 11, 2003, I barely gave it a glance, sure it was the same old stuff - a bill that would only apply to those over 21 years of age. A few frantic phone messages proved me wrong. We had a full repeal bill. From what I understand, this has never happened in the great state of Nevada. Every email and phone call asked the same question: what did you do? Well, here's the answer. Gary Horrocks (Nevada Association of Concerned Motorcyclists/ABATE of Nevada) asked Senator Shaffer to introduce a helmet bill - that applied to those 21 and over. Gary did this for two reasons, he's a die-hard fighter and won't give up, and secondly, because he knew the biggest challenge we face is in the Assembly. The man did very good. What was the trick? Timing. Nuff said. Ted and I went to Carson City with a letter (size 8k) separately addressed and delivered to every member of the Senate and Assembly regarding the Attorney General's Opinion and the problems the Nevada Highway Patrol was facing in enforcing the law as it stands. All the letters were delivered with the help of the Sargent at Arms of the Senate and Assembly. There were three we hand delivered - Marvel and Carpenter (they represent our counties) and Senator Shaffer because he is the Chairman of the Transportation Committee. We were only able to meet with one person for a very short time - Senator Shaffer. This is a great man. He listened to us. We handed him the letter, let him know we appreciated his efforts so far - getting the bill draft request started - and that we did not support the age limitation, but that the letter would explain our position. We offered to help to the best of our abilities, thanked him for his time and crossed our fingers. Obviously he knows his stuff. It was a matter of days before the repeal bill was introduced. He knew the basics of the bill draft, he read what we had from the Attorney General and he listened to our stance. Essentially, he cut through the crap. There are two Senators that are not supportive, Nolan and Carlton. Although I am sure they have their reasons, I am just as sure that they do not ride and some of their information is erroneous. We are talking enforcement of the law. Nothing else. Quig addressed Senator Nolan and the following Monday Colonel Hosmer of the Nevada Highway Patrol backed Quig up. To see this, just email me. It's public information and available here. The law cannot be enforced as written. Let's deal on that table. We will provide them any information they desire. On the other hand, we have folks behind us - Senator Barbara Cegavske wrote and said she supports the bill. Other Senators and members of the Assembly do as well. Right now we are waiting for a hearing date. We have a while. If you want to be notified of the hearing date, just email me and I will add you to the list. You must understand, what happens with SB-274 can be used for all other states fighting the helmet issue. If, no, when Nevada wins, we all win. The credit is not ours - it is a compilation of many efforts - Gary Horrocks, BOLT, BOLT of California, Bikers Rights, BOLT of Nevada, et al. A win is a win folks, where the credit falls is no big deal. As long as we all get to ride free. No compromise, no games, no favors. In years past, many attempts have been made to compromise with the Nevada Legislature, to the ends of reducing the number of people required to wear so-called "protective headgear" when riding their motorcycles, to no avail. This year, 2003, things are going to be a little different. This year, the Nevada Legislature has a different situation to contemplate. This year there is no need for discussion of whether or not the State has either the justification or the right to tell bikers how to provide for their own safety, much less legislate fashion. This year, the Nevada Legislature is faced with having to either define the apparel they require -- in Nevada's case, "protective headgear" -- in objective terms, to allow for legally certain enforcement and compliance, or they can take out the mandate alltogether. Click here to read the language of the bill as drafted and introduced. | |||
| Jackie Suthers BOLT of Nevada | back | ||
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