ABATE of Georgia--- LEGISLATIVE REPORT FOR MARCH 20008 (corrected)

by Ed "Yankee" Andross

 An unforeseen problem, exclusive to the State of Georgia, involving titling and registration of kit and assembled bikes and cars drew a lot of attention from a group of bikers and hobbyists that are not normally associated with ABATE.  The problem resulted in the introduction of a house bill HB-950 by Alan Powell D-29.  There was confusion in the wording of the original bill, which was designed to mandate the Department of Revenue to issue titles and registrations to all bikes that met federal safety and emission standards.  With some clarification of terms and descriptions in substitute bill HB-950, IT was passed BY the Motor Vehicle Committee, and Rules Committee in the House and unanimously approved BY VOTE on the floor of the House of Representatives.  The bill now passes into the Senate and if it is approved there and signed by the Governor it becomes a law, and the DOR will be forced to comply.

 ABATE of Georgia, Inc. has drafted 3 bills on the Senate side of the legislature; SB-409 (freedom of choice for headgear if you meet certain conditions); SB-438(increased penalties including jail time and license suspension for second Right of Way offense); SB-446 (right for motorcycle to proceed on red traffic signal, controlled by detection device, if it fails to recognize the motorcycle.) These three bills have all been assigned to a committee and are awaiting an opportunity to be heard.

 NOW IS THE TIME TO WRITE AND CALL YOUR SENATORS* AND THE SENATORS SITTING ON THE COMMITTEES.  ASK THEM TO HEAR AND PASS

BILLS ---SB-409; SB-438; & SB-446.  COMMITTEES ARE LISTED BELOW.

 *If you do not know who your State Senator is: come to the legislative table at the SWAP Meet and we will look it up for you by your zip code +4 on the computer( zip code +4 is listed on your driver license and on your ABATE membership card)  You can also call me with the info or go to www.congress.org and look it up.

 SB-409; and SB-446 are assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee, chaired by: Sen. Jack Murphy (R-27)

Senate

Public Safety

Committee Members

History and Duties

All legislation concerning the maintenance of the security and well-being of Georgia's citizens from physical violence or danger will be assigned to the Public Safety Committee. Additionally, the committee handles most legislation related to licensing of drivers and safety on Georgia's roads.

 SB-438, is assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Preston W. Smith (R-52)

 Senate

Judiciary

Committee Members

History and Duties

The Judiciary Committee acts on all legislation affecting judicial proceedings, both civil and criminal. Its jurisdiction also includes civil liberties as well as governmental information and constitutional amendments