Legislative news at the National and State levels, and specific news from our State Lobbyist and Legislative Trustee, plus Legislative links.

Lobbyist Report
February 2007

It is time for the 2007 legislative session to start and there are two bills so far that effect the motorcyclists of this state.  One could be very damaging and the other could save many people from accidents and death if enacted.

HB-265/ SB-984

This bill if enacted will raise the auto insurance minimums 150%.  However this bill also removes the statute that separates the definition of a motorcycle from a four wheeled vehicle.  That means motorcycles will be in the same insurance category.  If PIP is renew then motorcycles will also have to carry the same insurance as automobiles and carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) the same as automobiles and it will be extremely expensive.  This bill in the form it is in can be extremely dangerous for motorcyclists.

SB-620/No House companion yet

This bill says cell phone use will not be allowed in a moving vehicle.  Many accidents are caused by people not paying attention and talking or their cell phones or texting on them.  It is not a right to either drive or talk on a cell phone it is a privilege.

Abate of Florida, Inc. will also be looking to strengthen the stiffer penalties statutes and either repeal the mandatory rider training law that passed last year or amend it.  The organization will also be lobbying for more safety money.  I will monitor all bills to see which ones will affect the motorcycling community.

James D. “Doc” Reichenbach II