Our 1st bill was dropped in the House on Friday February 6.  HB-317   FREEDOM OF CHOICE authored by Rep Billy Horne of Newnan and sponsored by an impressive group of Reps. On the downside, our bill is assigned to Motor Vehicles Committee and our nemesis Rep Tom Rice from Norcross.

09 LC 34 2052

House Bill 317

By: Representatives Horne of the 71^st, Everson of the 106^th, Hembree of the 67^th, Scott of the 2^nd, and Powell of the 29^th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Part 2 of Article 13 of Chapter 6 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motorcycles, so as to exempt certain persons from the provisions requiring operators or riders to use protective headgear; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Part 2 of Article 13 of Chapter 6 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motorcycles, is amended by revising subsection (a) of Code Section 40-6-315, relating to headgear and eye-protective devices for riders, as follows:

"(a) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he or she is wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety. If a motorcycle operator and any passenger are covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000.00 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle, then this subsection shall not apply to:

(1) Any motorcycle operator who is 21 years of age or older and has completed a motorcycle rider education course approved by the department or has held a motorcycle operator's license for at least two years; or

(2) A rider or passenger of a motorcycle operator exempt under this subsection if the rider or passenger is 21 years of age or older."

SECTION 2.

This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval.

SECTION 3.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.