September 30, 1999

It is probably just an error and it is really of no consequence but on the bill index page of Florida Online, HB0117 is shown to be sponsored by Representative Dave Russell.  On the bill text page it is sponsored by Representative Nancy Argenziano.

We only have 5 days left to get our work done to lobby support in the Judiciary Committee before their meeting.  Let me put it to you this way.  If the bill does not pass in this committee the game is over for this year.  At this point, writing the Judiciary Committee is a gamble because they probably won't receive it in time for the committee meeting.  We need to pick up the phone and call them or get an email sent to them now.  You do not need to live in their district to lobby any committee members.  I have tried to make this task easier for you.  I have several sample letters to committee members on the sample letter page.  If you click here you will find the email address for all the members on the Judiciary Committee. Click here and you will find there telephone numbers.  The rest is up to you.  Your action is needed NOW.

Here is a copy of the Judiciary Committee's Schedule for October 5, 1999:

JUDICIARY (Civil Justice Council)
1:00-3:00 p.m. 212 Knott Building

Consideration of the following bill(s):
HB 0019 by Garcia--Religious Liberty/Ten Commandments
HB 0023 by Crow & others--Boating Safety
HB 0117 by Argenziano--Motorcycle Riders/Safety Equipment
HB 0017 by Cosgrove & others--Thomas Barkdull District Courthouse
HB 0049 by Brummer & others--DUI/Substance Abuse Course/Minors
HB 0119 by Argenziano--Culpable Negligence

Staff Report on Options for Implementing Revisions to Article V of the
State Constitution (Council Interim Project)
 

September 27, 1999

HB0117 has been placed on the Judiciary Committee Agenda for October 05, 1999 at 1:00 pm.  Additional committee meetings are scheduled for next week and there is a good chance HB0117 will be discussed in another meeting later in the week.  We need to get busy and call, write and email the committee members, especially in the Judiciary Committee, to ask them to vote favorable for HB0117.  Then, call write and email our co sponsors from last year who are committee members in the referred committees.  Keep working on your House Representative in your district to get them to co sponsor HB0117.  Spread the word to everyone you know.  You need to know that the opposition to HB0117 will be out in force at all the committee meetings.  We need to get busy calling and writing now.

Other committee meetings scheduled are as follows:
 

September 24, 1999

On September 17, 1999, HB0117 was referred to four committees. Judiciary (CJC); Insurance (CAC); Transportation (EDC); Health & Human Services Appropriations (FRC).  Click on the link to the committees to find it's members and relevant information about them.

Last year HB0457 was referred to Insurance (CAC), Transportation (EDC), Health and Human Services Appropriations (FRC) and Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations (FRC).  HB0457 was subsequently withdrawn from Insurance and Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations and only faced action in the remaining two committees where it was voted favorable.  It is time to go to work.  Start by calling, writing and emailing  your House Representative.  Then, call write and email our cosponsors from last year who are committee members in the above referred committees. Click here to find out who they are.  Thank them for their past support and let them know we are looking for their support of HB0117 when it comes before them in their respective committee. Sample letter.  Write or email last years sponsors and cosponsors to ask for their continued support.

September 22, 1999

Comment - Bills are now prefiled in both the Florida House and Senate.  Unlike last year, these bills already have insurance requirements included.  Last session they were added on by amendment.  The wording in HB0117 and SB0126 is very specific.  If you are over 21 and not wearing a helmet, you will need $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.  To put this another way, both the person operating the motorcycle and their passenger will need this coverage to ride helmet free.

September 20, 1999

Senate Bill 0126 was prefiled in the Florida Senate.  Senator Bert Saunders again sponsors a bill exempting persons over 21 from wearing protective headgear.  This bill is identical to House BIll 0117 and requires at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

September 09 1999

Read the email I recently received from Representative Nancy Argenziano concerning the introduction of a bill in the Florida House of Representatives.  This has to make you feel good.

September 08,1999

House Bill 0117 is prefiled in the Florida House of Representatives.  Representative Nancy Argenziano, keeping true to her commitment, prefiled HB0117.  Unfortunately this bill already has the insurance requirement.