This page will keep you informed of legislation introduced, it's progress and what you need to do.

January 20, 2000

In a vote of seven yea against two nay, SB0126 favorably passed the Senate Transportation Committee.  As he has in the past, Senator Donald Sullivan, a republican from Florida Senate District 22 led the charge against SB0126.  Representatives from AAA of Florida and State Farm Insurance Company  along with Senator Sullivan spoke against the BIll.  One Amendment was offered by Senator Sullivan that would have required motorcyclists to carry proof of insurance on their person while operating a motorcycle.  It was not adopted.  Joining Senator Sullivan voting against the bill was Senator Richard Mitchell, a democrat in Florida Senate District 4.  SB0126 is now in the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance,  Banking and Insurance is scheduled to meet on Monday, February 07, 2000 at 12:30 PM.  The agenda for this meeting has not yet been determined.

On the House of Representative side, HB0117 is still awaiting scheduling in the Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee.  Also, House Representative Allen Trovillion, a republican from Florida House District 36, has cosponsored HB0117.  This brings us to a total of 39 representatives joining Representative Dave Russell on this bill.
 

January 19, 2000 - 11:52 AM

SB0126 has passed favorably through the Transportation Committee 7 to 2...details to follow
 

January 12, 2000

The consideration of helmet modification legislation switches from the House to the Senate when SB0126 is scheduled to appear before the Senate Transportation Committee at 9 AM on Wednesday January 19, 2000.  This is the first stop of two in the Senate Chamber.  The Transportation Committee favorably passed similar legislation in 1999 and 1998 when SB0958 and SB0224 was considered by this committee.

With very little warning of this meeting it is important that we either call or email the members of the Transportation Committee to let them know what we want them to do.  There are two cosponsors of SB0126 who are members of the Transportation committee, Senator Tom Lee and Senator JIm King.  Also in this committee is Senator Donald Sullivan who has been one of the most consistent opponents of helmet law repeal over the past few years.  We especially need to contact Senator Sullivan and politely ask what we can do to get his support for helmet repeal.

Call or email the committee members today.  Let them know the Facts.  Let them know about how you feel about the insurance requirements.  If you need assistance in composing a letter click here.  Most importantly, get involved.
 

January 07, 2000

Well and what should we talk about today.  It seems it's a slow time and not much is going on at the legislative level.  Maybe we need to talk about participation.  Do we really think that the legislation in the House and the Senate is going to pass without us getting involved?  And what about a bill that substitutes wearing a helmet for an insurance requirement?  Is that progress?  Recently, I received an email from Kurt who lives in Tallahassee.  He doesn't think this is progress.  Here's what Kurt has to say:

"Dear Sir,"

"As a Florida motorcyclist I have been forwarded much correspondence regarding the effort to repeal the helmet law in this state, particularly the ABATE efforts through various legislation offered through the state House and Senate. I thoroughly support motorcyclists rights to choose whether or not they care to wear a helmet while riding the road, but I must say that I am totally against the current efforts to pass HB117.  This legislation stipulates a requirement of insurance for the right to ride without a helmet.  I am not in favor, nor will I ever be in favor of surrendering one freedom for another.  This does nothing but distance law enforcement from motorcyclists by opening the potential of harassment of helmet less riders.  If you don't believe me just ask those riders that compromised their very same freedom in Texas and Kentucky.  They can attest to the level of harassment that has accompanied those without helmets, and also the visitors to their state that do not have the appropriate credentials to ride without a helmet.  Freedom is hard to obtain, but it should be worth the fight.  Compromising freedom in order to pass a law is wrong.  You will get my support, and many others when you decide not to surrender to worthless stipulations that destroy, rather than enhance our freedom."

We really have to respect this kind of commitment.  How do you feel about what Kurt has to say?  It is now the time for you to give you're opinion and take a stand.  Either you care about freedom of choice or you just like to read about it.  You need to get involved now.  We need to start writing and calling our legislators today to let them know what we want them to do.  What is your opinion?  Is it ok to have an insurance requirement?  Let us know in the Voice Your Opinion page.
 

January 05, 2000

The first action concerning HB0117 in this new year in the Florida House of Representatives was the withdrawal of HB0117 from the Health & Human Services Appropriations committee and then referring it to the Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations committee.  In the previous committee we had only two cosponsors in the nine member committee.  In the Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations committee we have five cosponsors.  There are 12 members in this committee.  The House Daily/Interim Calendar schedules the Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations committee to meet on Thursday, January 20, 2000 and Friday, January 21, 2000.  There is a good chance HB0117 will be discussed at one of these meetings.