The Birth and Death of a Bill -- Nevada's Assembly Bill 88
      by Jackie Suthers

      Prior to this little adventure, Ted and I had never been directly involved in politics. Sure, there had been the support of causes, petitions signed, money sent to the causes believed in and lots of voting. But neither had been to the Legislative Building in any state, nor had they actively sought out meetings with those involved in shaping our laws. Being true optimists and believers in the 'American Way' the went to the Legislative Building full of hope, confident (to some slight degree) in the elected officials and sure that all they had learned in school about our system would prevail. Jackie even taught government and American History at adult education night school, so they had an idea of how things worked. Not!!

      The Transportation Board met regarding Assembly Bill 88 (to dispose of the current helmet bill on the law). Mrs. Vonne Chowning heads this board. Mr. Gustavson had introduced the bill. Ted and Jackie took some time off from work, drove about 250 miles and attended the meeting. The matter was "tabled" for a later date. They went home. Richard (Ritchie) Melton set up the second meeting in Carson City. He had written a letter to the editor regarding the helmet law and it had not been published.

      We met with Gustavson for a few minutes, then went to our meeting with Mrs. Chowning. First, she was a little upset that her meeting with Ritchie included three other people - Ted, Jackie and Monty Jensen. The "Freedom Riders" stated their reasons for abolishing the helmet law; Chowning had her opinions and stated them. The Freedom Riders refuted her answers with hard core statistics and facts. Okay, the Freedom Riders left knowing they had made no headway. But, they did send her a thank you note for her time, polite folks that they are.

      Meeting three, another trip to Carson City and we meet the 'Nevada helmet law lobbyist - Gary Horrocks'. Once again, no ground is gained except that the Freedom Riders are getting used to it, and Ritchie's letter has been published.

      Meeting four - there is going to be a hearing. We were informed that Horrocks "did a favor for a friend and got the hearing scheduled." Okay, major ethical dilemma here for the Freedom Riders - we don't want to operate that way. There was a hearing all right. Through the wonders of modern technology Horrocks could "assist" Gustavson with questions and statistics. There were NO MOTORCYCLE RIDERS scheduled to speak - although the Freedom Riders offered and were very well prepared. But, those against the helmet law repeal had speakers - all in wheelchairs or the victims of head trauma that the insurance people had found. NOT ONE OF THEM HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A MOTORCYCLE RELATED ACCIDENT. All their injuries were from cars or falls. Let's not pursue that.

      All the talking was done - it took about an hour. Some members of the Assembly supported it - if for no other reason that to not have to hear the bill yet again. Then everything was over. You see, Mrs. Chowning agreed to give us a hearing, she did not agree to let there be a vote on the matter. Due to this fact, no vote was asked for.

      Assembly Bill 88 was dead in the water.

      Lessons learned:
        1) If it is important, follow the rules and demand others do the same;
        2) No favors means no debts;
        3) Ask for exactly what you want and settle for nothing less - NO COMPROMISE;
        4) Don't let wannabe politicians speak for you;
        5) Everything we learned in government and history is not true.
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