There was a really good turnout at Breakfast With The Bikers. ABATE did their usual great job of organizing the event. During the breakfast many of those present visited with the legislators who were not present in their offices.
Rebecca and I did lunch with Clif Burdette to talk about having Billboards for MC Safety and Awareness made up and put out across the state. With joint effort of Motorcycle Safety Division and B.A.N.D. this should become a reality in the near future.
We had the committee hearing on HB 264 in a hearing room packed to the max with Riders. A couple of women got up and tearfully asked that the helmet law be reinstated but basically it was our show. Da'Lady laid out the Bill thoroughly and a few riders testified. The Bill was left in committee as is usual. To all those who took the time to be there your presence did make a difference. Rep Frost, the undecided vote, had told us prior to the hearing that he would support bringing the Bill out. Rep. Burnum was the only surprise during the day. He went back on his word and said he could not support the Bill after telling us he would. Something those in his district should remember. Prior to the hearing Rep Hupp signed onto the Bill as a cosponsor. After the hearing she congratulated us on our professionalism and said we had won the vote. It will come out next Monday.
Thanks to all the riders from ABATE, Texas COC, TMRA and of course our Warriors who attended the days happenings. You gave me a recharge that was really need as we go into the second half of the session. Once again other states could take lessons from you on how to work together.
It is time now for letters to your legislators on HB 514 and HB 3277. The session is half way over now so don't waste time on getting those messages out. It might be a good time to take advantage of Email on these Bills. For Reps who use Email the address is first
name.lastname@house.state.tx.us (Example)
john.smithee@house.state.tx.us for the insurance committee chair. Go to
www.capitol.state.tx.us and click on house committees. Check out Transportation Committee for HB 514 and then check on Insurance Committee for HB 3277. Click on each individual member name and it will give you all the contact information for that member. Rep Isett is our sponsor for HB 3277.
SB 1310, the companion Bill for HB 264 has been sent to Transportation and Security Committee. This is a good committee for us. It will also be the real test of whether we pass this Bill or not. Senator Wentworth is on this committee. If he votes with us we have won. However he told Dee yesterday that he needed some examples of the illegal tickets, searches or harassment under the current Law. Please contact the office immediately with your story Thanks,
