What is happening in the STEAM States

By Dave Dwyer

Friday night during the Kick-off for STEAM, all the States give an update on what is happening in the world of Motorcyclist’s Rights. Here is what was reported. 

 North Dakota lost their Poker Runs. Their Attorney General came after them and a bill to legalize them failed. Their Legislature passed a bill allowing for an 80-mph speed limit on the Interstates. The Governor vetoed it, so that is dead for another year or two. A bill to require the placement of beehives at least ¼ mile off the road failed to pass. ABATE started a discussion about the perceived danger of cable barriers to motorcyclists. They were told the use of these was not going to change and they should drop it or risk the loss of part of their Motorcycle Safety funding.

 South Dakota is celebrating their 45^th Anniversary this year. Their Motorcycle Safety Fund within the State has a significant balance that some Legislators were starting to eyeball. They are planning to spend some of this on Accident Scene Management classes for their members. After many years as State Coordinator, Jiggs Cressy has stepped down so they will have a new State Coordinator and Vice Coordinator. All Motorcyclists Rights Group members are invited to the Whitewood Social August 10, during the Sturgis Rally. This is held in an out of the way City Park at the edge of Whitewood, just a few miles west of Sturgis. There is no cost to attend, and beverages and food are provided. Cash donations are accepted and there is always a 50-50 raffle held that day. On a sad note, Wayne Lettau their Legislative Director passed away this spring. Our sympathies go out to his wife Susan, and the rest of his family.

 Nebraska reports that their helmet law modification bill has passed out of Committee but is being help up on the floor by a group of Senators who are filibustering all bills because of transsexual issues. That minority of Senators apparently feel that their issue is the most important issue facing the people of Nebraska. ABATE is working with the Judiciary of resolving some Right of Way issues. 

 Minnesota is working to equalize the tax on Motorcycle sales. Currently Motorcycles are taxed at the full sale price, but other vehicles are charged a flat tax. They are also working on a ground lights bill and a profiling bill.  

 In Illinois their stationary and mobile license plate readers are capable of capturing the type of vehicle the plate is on and the State is selling this data to third parties. It is now easier for 16-17 year olds to get their motorcycle license. They are working on legislation to hold Uber, Lyft, Door Dash and similar companies liable if their drivers cause damage or injuries. They killed a bill banning Kevlar clothing, sound monitoring on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, and trying to join the California Air Resources Board and enact all their restrictions in Illinois.

 Iowa modified their gun free zones to allow Motorcyclists that are carrying a concealed weapon to drop off and pick up their kids at school. They are trying to eliminate their red light and speed enforcement cameras. They held a successful Lobby Day in Des Moines and had a good trip to Washington D. C.

 ABATE of Montana is trying to find a way to come back to life. 4 of their members were at STEAM to look for ideas on how to make this happen.

 Due to the passing of his mother, John Reblin was not able to attend so he asked me to fill in for him. We worked with support motorcycle clubs in Wisconsin and nationally in the Legislative arena. 

  We also worked with Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce to start a fuel coalition and held a successful lobby day with hundreds of people attending asking for support to push back against the push for electric vehicles. We also are looking to halt the use of the semi-autonomous and full autonomous vehicles until testing ensures motorcycles are recognized. We supported a bill that was crafted from our lobby efforts to ensure we have a choice of power source in vehicles, motorcycles, and other vehicles and tools. This ending up on April 13th, the Wisconsin State Assembly Committee on State Affairs voted to pass AB141 and AB142 out of committee and on to the floor for a full Assembly vote to be scheduled.

 ABATE of Wisconsin is having a birthday. We will have been around 50 years next year, with a gathering being planned in Madison in 2024.