VA Lobby Day

[ManaloEA]

Latest news, 1/27/12.
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HB97 (Two Abreast) passed by voice vote and was engrossed.  The third reading will be Monday. It is expected to pass and move on to the Senate.  HB187 (Motorcycle Only Checkpoints) will have its second reading on Monday and has strong support in the House of Delegates.  The support both bills have enjoyed is due to each and everyone of you who have worked for both of these important pieces of legislation.  We will continue to report on each and as they move onto the Senate and are assigned a committee we will pass on that information as well.

Thanks for making us aware of this, and for keeping us informed on how we can all participate.

[Curmudgeon]

Thanks for making us aware of this, and for keeping us informed on how we can all participate.

Hope you're not the only one! 

A riding pal of mine forwards the updates. Before he did, I had no idea two bikes couldn't even sit at the light or stop sign in VA and ride off together!!! That's a serious crime until this stuff passes. How that got on the books in the first place is beyond me...

Fingers crossed...

[Curmudgeon]

Update - 01/30/2012
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HB97 - Two Abreast - Passed the House by a vote of 80 - 19. Great job Virginia motorcyclists. We now move on to the Senate.  You can see a breakdown of how each member voted on HB97 at the link below:


http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+vot+HV0297+HB0097


HB97 will almost certainly be referred to the Senate Transportation Committee but there is a slight chance that it could go to Courts.  No referral has been made at the time of this posting.  When it is finally referred I will publish the names and email addresses of the appropriate committee members.


HB187 - Prohibiting Motorcycle Only Checkpoints - Passed its second reading by voice vote and moves on to it's third reading tomorrow.

[twolanefun]

HB 187 passed! ]http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/alert/?alertid=60167501&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]But we definitely have a problem up here in No. Va both Brink and my delegate Plum voted against it and they also voted against two abreast. I have sent an email to Plum I'd love to see him flooded with emails asking why he voted against his email is kenplum@aol.com - Gene

[Curmudgeon]

Gene, the battle isn't over. Still has to get through the other house. Update below.

Since your area is populated with overpaid DC employees and limousine liberals who ride the train, hope you have more luck with your senator! Should VA give back your region to DC? Then it would have no vote? 

Thanks for your help!
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HB187 - Prohibiting Motorcycle Only Checkpoints - Passed the House by a vote of 85-10.  We now move on to the Senate with this one as well.  This is another testament to the hard work of motorcyclists throughout Virginia.  You can see a breakdown of how each member voted on HB187 at the link below:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+vot+HV0320+HB0187

Once this bill has been referred to a committee in the Senate we will pass that information along. 

HB97 - Two Abreast â€" has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.  I will be providing the email addresses of each of the committee members in the near future.  For the time being I would ask that we hold off on emails until we know whether this bill will be heard before or after crossover (the date after which each legislative body may only consider legislation from the other legislative body).  This year that date is February 15.  Timing is important and we don't want to hit them too early. 

I want to thank everyone once again.  I know we are only half way through the battle on each of these important pieces of legislation but the support that we have been able to gather to date has been impressive.  That being said we are ONLY HALF WAY THROUGH.  Until the governor signs each bill we are not finished.  That can't happen until we can get both of these bills through the Senate.  Get ready for round two. 

[tocino]

Since your area is populated with overpaid DC employees and limousine liberals who ride the train, hope you have more luck with your senator! Should VA give back your region to DC? Then it would have no vote? 

Let's keep the political name-calling BS to a minimum please. While this thread is political in nature, it's a call to action and so worthy of this forum.  I think cliche, insulting comments like this are best left to wing-nut forums (whether your nuts swing left or right). I know many people who work in and around DC and most, if not all, aren't what you would call overpaid, and many of them (and who knows, possibly one or two members of this site) would be considered liberal and I don't think any of them find targeted police stops constitutional, nor give a rats ass whether motorcyclists ride 1, 2 or 5 abreast. So please, lets not be painting with such a large (or hateful) brush and get back to discussing bikes.

Rant off.

[zooom]

Let's keep the political name-calling BS to a minimum please. While this thread is political in nature, it's a call to action and so worthy of this forum.  I think cliche, insulting comments like this are best left to wing-nut forums (whether your nuts swing left or right). I know many people who work in and around DC and most, if not all, aren't what you would call overpaid, and many of them (and who knows, possibly one or two members of this site) would be considered liberal and I don't think any of them find targeted police stops constitutional, nor give a rats ass whether motorcyclists ride 1, 2 or 5 abreast. So please, lets not be painting with such a large (or hateful) brush and get back to discussing bikes.

Rant off.

DAAAAAAMMMN...who are you and what are you doing logged onto Steve's computer?...LOL

[tocino]

DAAAAAAMMMN...who are you and what are you doing logged onto Steve's computer?...LOL

Alright - maybe I had too much coffee, but still - I have a thin skin when it comes to comments like this. I mean, how many mcy lists have you abandoned becaue of politcal stuff.  People here are super cool, so I wouldn't want to see CAM / DMF descend into silliness.

Anyways - back on topic: good to see the motorcycle-targeted stops are being challenged!

[Curmudgeon]

Updates - 2/0712

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We still have no word on the Committee meeting tomorrow.  Jim, Tom and I will be in Richmond today so I should be able to accurately report later this afternoon.  In the meantime we need help with Senator Carrico.  He sits on the Senate Transportation Committee and is a former Virginia State Trooper.  I would ask that you email him at district40@senate.virginia.gov to urge him to be consistent.  Here is what I mean.

According to this mornin's Richmond Times Dispatch,   he sponsored SB 323 which repeals Virginia's restriction on buying 1 gun per month.  Yesterday on the Senate floor he argued that the law would bring Virginia in line with most other states noting that only Maryland, California and New Jersey have similar laws.  Let's ask him to be consistent.    HB 97 (Two Abreast) would bring Virginia in line with most other states.  Point out that only Virginia and Vermont prohibit two motorcycles from riding abreast in the same lane.  If the Senator is consistent he will vote for HB 97.  Let's remind him of his own words.  It may give him a reason to vote for the bill.

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It has just been confirmed by Senator Newman that HB 97 will be heard tomorrow. It is on the Senate Transportation Docket to be heard by the Committee a ½ hour after session. Session begins at 12p, therefore, to be safe, if you are able to attend, please be at the General Assembly at 1p. A good showing is very important so please come and bring a friend!

[Curmudgeon]

UPDATE - 2/10/12 Interesting group of people at the hearing.
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Quote:

"Before I report what happened to our two bills which were heard in the Senate Transportation Committee today, let me describe what the committee room looked like.  It looked like the hospitality suite at a motorcyclists convention.  Motorcyclists from all over the state filled the room.  We had members of the U.S. Military Vets MC, Red Knights, Blue Knights, CMA, ABATE of Virginia, HOG, GWRRA and many others. (Please forgive me if I overlooked anyone).  The bottom line is that the committee room was filled with motorcyclists who had taken time from work to be in Richmond in support of these bills.  Their support was crucial to our success yesterday.  In fact, Senator McWaters made it clear that, with regard to HB 97, he changed his vote in favor of the bill due to his conversations with members of the U.S. Military Vets MC prior to committee.  Thanks guys for your help. 

Let's start with HB 187, our bill to prohibit motorcycle only checkpoints in Virginia.  We passed out of committee unanimously.  That means that we will go the Senate floor in a block with other bills that have passed committee on a unanimous vote.  There should be no debate on these bills and they should pass easily.  It is a fast track to the Governor's desk for a signature.  It looks like one discriminatory practice in Virginia is about to meet its end.  This would not have happened without the help of motorcyclists across this state.  Congratulations to all.

As for HB 97 (Two Abreast) we came out (with your help and with an amendment) by a vote of 9-4.  Here is what happened.  We went into committee with a very close vote count.  Jim, Tom and I had spent the week meeting with committee members. As usual the senators and/or staff members mentioned the emails that they were receiving.   An important vote on the committee was Senator Carrico who is a former Virginia State Trooper.  His vote was important due to his close relationship to the State Police.  The strategy of the State police was to get Carrico's vote and have him be the voice of opposition on the committee in hopes of turning some votes.  We turned to Wes Hurst, the founder of the Virginia Bikers Association in South West Virginia. Wes dropped everything he was doing and quickly mobilized motorcyclists in Senator Carrico's district.  At last count Senator Carrico's office received over 200 emails from his own constituents in support of HB 97.  That was on top of the ones that the rest of us sent.  Without Wes and his people's efforts the vote yesterday could have been different.  Thank you Wes and everyone who made their feelings known. 

That being said, there was an amendment.  It was offered at the last minute.  The amendment made it clear that the only two wheeled motorcycles would be exempted from the prohibition against riding two abreast.  The prohibition would remain in effect for trikes.  This was out of a concern that three wheeled motorcycles were wider and therefore left less space to maneuver in case of an emergency situation when riding abreast.  While we were not happy with the amendment, upon conferring with several motorcycle groups in attendance it was agreed that we would not oppose the amendment. If need be we would seek to address it in future sessions.  After the amendment, on which we actually had no voice anyway, the bill was passed by a vote of 9-4.  It came out of committee largely intact.  I personally do not feel the amendment does much as the only motorcyclists that we have ever had to help with this issue are two wheeled bikes.  You can see how each senator voted below.  A yea vote is a vote in favor of the bill.

YEAS--Newman, Puckett, Wagner, Deeds, McDougle, Smith, Marsden, McWaters, Carrico--9.

NAYS--Marsh, Watkins, Blevins, Favola--4.

ABSTENTIONS--Miller, Y.B., Colgan--2.

We are now on to the full Senate.  This truly is the final push.  It is time to get those emails flowing one more time.  Below is a list of the full Senate.  As always remember to put your address especially if you are a constituent.  Remember that emails to each individual Senator work much better than a mass email to all.  I would not mention HB 187.  Concentrate on HB 97.  HB 187 is on a fast track and the only thing emails will do now is alert someone who may have a problem with it.  It is time to step aside and let that one roll.  When addressing HB 97 it would be helpful to tell them that it has passed the Senate Transportation Committee and will soon be heard on the Senate Floor so that they do not assume that you are writing about a bill that is still in the House.  Lastly I would suggest that if you email the committee members who voted for the bill I would simply thank them for their vote and continued support of this important issue.  As for all others we need to make our pitch.  Thank you again to all who have taken their time to make Virginia a better place for motorcyclists.


Senator Barker - district39@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Black - district13@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Blevins - district13@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Carrico â€" district40@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Colgan â€" district29@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Deeds â€" district25@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Ebbin â€" district30@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Edwards â€" district21@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Favola â€" district31@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Garrett â€" district22@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Hanger â€" district24@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Herring â€" district33@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Howell â€" district33@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Locke â€" district02@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Lucas â€" district18@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Marsden â€" district37@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Marsh â€" district16@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Martin â€" district11@senate.virginia.gov

Senator McDougle â€" district04@senate.virginia.gov

Senator McEachin â€" district09@senate.virginia.gov

Senator McWaters â€" district08@senate.virginia.gov

Senator John Miller â€" district01@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Yvonne Miller â€" district05@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Newman â€" district23@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Norment â€" district03@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Northam â€" district06@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Obenshain â€" district26@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Petersen â€" district34@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Puckett â€" district38@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Puller â€" district36@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Reeves â€" district17@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Ruff â€" district15@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Saslaw â€" district35@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Smith â€" district19@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Stanley â€" district20@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Stosch â€" district12@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Stuart â€" district28@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Vogel â€" district27@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Wagner â€" district07@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Watkins â€" district10@senate.virginia.gov "

[ManaloEA]

Here's a link in case anyone is not sure which district they are in.
https://www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT2/PublicLookup.aspx?Link=Registration

[Curmudgeon]

Update - 02/13/12 - Almost Done!
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Quote:

"Thank you to everyone who helped both HB 187 and HB 97 pass the General Assembly.    HB 187 came out of the Senate on a unanimous vote.  Once the Governor signs the bill it becomes law on July 1, 2012.  That means that practice of holding motorcycle only checkpoints in Virginia is finished. 


HB 97 (Two Abreast, which was amended to Two Abreast for Two Wheeled Motorcycles) came out of the Senate on a 38-2 vote.  It will have to go back to the House to be conformed since there was an amendment.  Since the patron sees this as a friendly amendment that will not be an issue.  The bill will then go to the Governor's desk and will become law on July 1, 2012. 


For the second year in a row we (and I mean we as the collective motorcycling community) have changed the law in a significant way for the betterment of motorcycling.  Each of you has my sincerest thanks.  I am proud to be a part of this amazing community."

[Curmudgeon]

Latest Update - 3/01/2012

Quote:

"It is official.  The governor has signed both HB 187 (Prohibiting Motorcycle Only Checkpoints) and HB 97 (Allowing Two Two-Wheeled Motorcycles to Ride Abreast in the Same Lane).  Both bills go into effect on July 1, 2012.

Once again I offer my sincerest thanks to all who worked so hard this session to push both of these bills through the legislative process.  Virginia is a better place for motorcyclists because of you.   

Shortly I will be sending out an email concerning one of next year's initiatives."

[twolanefun]

Great now let's get Premium set aside as an Ethanol free blend. - Gene

[Curmudgeon]

Great now let's get Premium set aside as an Ethanol free blend. - Gene

Sure, I'm in for that! Right now I have a long drive for pure gas 93.  Is this Federal or State though? What do you think VA legislators can do? Maybe ask these guys if they want to put in on the agenda and whether a state statute can do anything about it. http://motorcyclelawgroup.com/statutes.aspx

Otherwise I imagine you'd have to address the bogus ethanol issue with your Congressman and Senator. I've already talked to mine, Eric Cantor, over the E-15 nonsense from the AMA thread and he's on board. What about yours? I doubt our current Senators are likely to do much.