We attended the Houston Area COC meeting on Saturday. We were stunned to learn that there were those in attendance that did not know we had gotten handicap license plates for motorcycles. Some had no idea they could legally ride their bikes on the HOV Lanes despite Houston having several miles of the Lanes. We are simply not getting the word out to enough riders. There is a new magazine starting up in Houston next month and they said we could have a full page each month to discuss issues and what we are doing about them Thunder Road has also said to send them a report each month. Between these two and Skunk Dots maybe we can do a better job of publicizing the Association. Ultimately we each must do a better job of recruiting members.
Another very long day today. We met with Rep Hunter to let him know about HB 514 coming to committee next Tuesday. Then we met with all the members of Transportation Committee, except Rep Hill, to ask that they support HB 514 in committee next week. We will catch Rep Hill in the morning. We then met with Rep Isett's staff to finalize our substitute for HB 3277. Never did learn about how we stand in Calendars but we will try to get that worked out tomorrow also.Write or call the members of Transportation and ask them to support HB 514 Thank Chairman Krusee for bring the Bill into committee
The address for all House members is:
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768-291
Transportation HB 514
Phillips V. Chair
Callegari
Casteel
Deshotel
Flores
Hill
West
Hamric
Planned to attend the Law Enforcement Committee hearing at 1:30 pm but the House ran way over time on the Floor and we didn't get started until 5:30 pm. While waiting for the hearing to start we met three attorneys who were there to attend the hearing. One was a rider, one had been until he had an accident and is now terrified to get back on a bike. His wife still rides and he will have to start riding again someday. The third was never a rider They were new to the political process and were amazed at how many paid lobbyist were there for the hearing. We talked at length about the process and we will probably get some new members after they check our website. One of them told us he believes that God sends him to places because there is someone there he is to meet. He said he believes this was such a time and he was intended to come to the capitol to meet your chair. Another said he planned to become a teacher when he gives up being an attorney but now he was so fired up he may just change his mind.
Also while waiting for the hearing to begin we were approached by Richard Hardy. For those who don't know Richard he is the long time lobbyist for all five major motorcycle manufacturers and the AMA. Richard realizes I personally don't give a damn what his employers want, he felt correctly, that we might be willing to help those who love the thrill of the ride in off road habitat.
SB 1311 is coming to committee tomorrow to establish all terrain vehicle trails and recreational areas. The riders would pay $8 per year to fund the areas. He said that we wouldn't have to testify but just attend the hearing and sign in showing we support the Bill. He felt our support would enhance the chances of passage. Since our good friend Senator Hinojosa is the Sponsor we will do that much.
The hearing finally started and we were there for HB 2206 and 2214 by Rep Dutton. You are aware that Rep Dutton brought his Bill out of committee to make 1 oz. or less of marijuana a class C misdemeanor punishable only by fine. He then learned that the Feds require the loss of your drivers license if convicted of a drug crime. HB 2206 would allow the court that hears the case to charge the fine, suspend the license and then issue a temporary license to get around the Federal Statue. Three cheers for Rep Dutton. I told you we would have people in office to tell the Federal Government to go to hell. Texans will make the laws for Texas. We proudly supported the Bill.
HB 2418 would put a big crimp in the request for consent searches. Under this Bill every law enforcement officer would have to carry a form to present to a person they routinely ask if they mind if they search them or their vehicle. They could still search with probable cause or a search warrant but otherwise they must hand the person a form that tells them they understand that they have the right to refuse the search. It goes on to say that you realize that by signing the form you give up your right to say no. Of course the cops were there in force saying that would take away an important toll they need to do their job. Reps Veasy, Frost and Hupp along with your chair let them know it was not their job to conduct unwarranted searches. Three cheers for these three Reps and to Rep Dutton for introducing both Bills.
During the hearing Matt from Rep Isett's office let us know he had turned in our substitute for HB 3277 to Chairman Seaman earlier in the day.
We learned that Tony did not receive the Ballot for the May election to put it in the April Warrior. Therefore we will handle the election differently this year. Each district Advisor will send this out to those of you in their districts. All the district Advisors sending this to you have put their name in for reelection except Del in District 28. No one is challenged. Goldie stepped down in District 3 and Kanga has taken her place. If you wish to vote for someone else in your district E mail your choice to
secretary@tmra2.orgFor those who receive this message from the state chair and from Del in District 28 please send your choice for a district advisor write in candidate to the secretary. Anyone attending the meeting in May who is not on our Email lists will be allowed to vote there prior to the General meeting. Our apologies but this is the best idea we could come up with. The Ballot would not get out in the May issue in time for members to vote.HB 823 to allow for carrying weapons in your vehicle without a permit comes to the House Floor tomorrow.
