Here we go!

by Steve Panten

As a direct result of the motorcyclists showing up in Madison last month for our annual ABATE Lobby Day, we have a bill drafted that will prevent any local or state government or agency from banning the sale or operation of a combustion engine product in the state. Now it’s got a long road ahead of it before it becomes law, but this is a great start. And all because of our efforts in Madison last month.

2 days after we left Madison, I received 2 bill drafts that would satisfy what we asked for. One was to prevent any government agency from banning combustion engine vehicles and one for all devices (other devices.) These drafts were completed without input from ABATE other than what we presented during our meetings. We reached out to the authors, Senator Tomczyk and Representatives Schutt and Green along with the Manufacturers and Commerce, to learn why this was split into 2 separate bill drafts and if we could combine them into one. We were told that Leg Council (the lawyers that draft the bills to make sure they do not conflict with any other state statutes) was concerned that if we included all devices, we might not get it passed because it could include gas stoves.

Before Lobby Day, we had meetings with the Manufacturers and Commerce Lobby Group (herein referred to as WMC because I don’t want to keep typing that out) to have a stronger voice on this topic. They were willing partners and can bring the horsepower of 3800 manufacturers in the State, along with other businesses to the table. We reached out to them to determine the best way to approach this since our preference was 1 piece of legislation to keep us all organized and pushing the same direction. One thing we feared was dividing our two groups and losing the strength of our combined efforts as we each work to pass the bill that helps us the most.

While we were discussing the best approach, we learned that Representative Voss (the Assembly Speaker, or “boss” of the Assembly) wanted this done and was scheduling a Public Hearing the following week. Even though we did not have a bill number yet, we started organizing our positions and how to best present it. We reached out to a few other groups like snowmobile clubs, car clubs, landscapers and even a golf course to get their support. I spoke at a meeting with snowmobile clubs that just happened to be scheduled and I asked them to send a representative to Madison on April 11^th at 1 pm but I do not know what room yet, nor do I even know a bill number. As all this came together, we started to formulate a plan, although we were still not sure what the feeling was in Madison.

AB141 and AB142 had a Public Hearing in the State Assembly Committee on April 11^th, and the State Senate had one for SB212 and SB213 on April 12th. Just for clarity for both of us here, AB141/SB213 is the Assembly and Senate versions for all “combustion engine devices” and AB142/SB212 is for vehicles. While we were still discussing combining these 2 bill drafts, Leg Council informed the WMC and ABATE that the version for vehicles is moot since the other version should cover everything, including motorcycles, but the bill authors and Rep. Voss wanted the 2 versions. Our guess is again, if the “other devices” version fails, at least we can still protect vehicles.

The Public Hearings went very well, and I want to thank everyone that showed up to testify. ABATE of Wisconsin was well represented with such short notice as was the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. We testified alongside Manufacturing groups, and the above-mentioned grassroots groups. Throughout the course of the testimony, it needed to be emphasized that we are not trying to stop the production or sale of electric vehicles and products, but rather to allow a consumer in the state to choose a piece of equipment with a power source that is correct for their needs and their budget.

On April 13^th, the State Assembly Committee on State Affairs voted to pass the Assembly versions to be scheduled for a floor vote in the Assembly. While this was a great win for motorcyclists, it was not unanimous. We did not get the support of the democrats on the committee, so we have more work to do to prevent a governor’s veto. ABATE is proud of the great working relationships that we have with both sides of the aisle, so this is a disappointment. We are going to continue to work with all legislators to emphasize the need to protect the over 325,000 motorcycles registered in Wisconsin.

The Senate Transportation Committee has not scheduled a vote on the senate version of these bills as I am writing this article, so we still have time to learn how to address the concerns. We need to emphasize the importance of this issue to all consumers. We are not trying to ban alternate fuel sources like electric, hydrogen, propane, or anything else. All we are asking is that we keep combustion engines as an option should a consumer feel this is the best power source for their needs.

May is going to be a big one for motorcyclists. Besides working on the legislative agenda in Madison, we have numerous regions doing awareness rallies to get the message out that we are back on the road full time, and we all need to relearn how to watch for motorcycles. We have members traveling to North Dakota for the STEAM Conference to learn from other state Motorcycle Rights Organizations (SMRO’s). This is an opportunity to hear from them about what issues they are working on and how they are approaching it. We also have a very motivated group traveling to Washington DC to meet with our Federal Representatives as part of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Bikers Inside the Beltway event. I will have more on that next month.

So here it is, May. Things are going to get busy with events and exciting things to do. Ride your motorcycle. Attend events where legislators are and talk to them, in ABATE apparel if you can. Enjoy the great riding that Wisconsin has to offer and always stay vigilant.

That’s it.

Steve