I want to say thank you to all the members who showed up in Indianapolis for ABATE Day at the State House. I’m not sure of the exact number of folks that were there. I’ve heard there were 85, some said over 90. I’m going to say we had between 80 and 100 people there. I think it has a nice “ring” to it.

 

Some of the members were there for their first visit. The ones I talked with were very impressed with the building and had a good time. I can relate to that. I always have a good time when I’m there.

 

I talked to some who thought the waiting around to talk to lawmakers was boring. Sometimes it can seem that way. We have to remember that even though it seems we are not doing anything just standing and sitting around, WE ARE. We are being noticed. We are gaining some respect. Part of the reason for that is we know why we are there. We know what bills we are concerned with. We know with who we want to speak. We are informed. It makes a difference.

 

In case you were not there and haven’t been informed of what bills we are watching, I will give a run down on those bills.

 

SB343 – Motorcycle equipment. It will add “steering wheel” to the definition of a motorcycle.

 

SB383 – Motorcycle equipment. It also will add “steering wheel” to the definition of a motorcycle.

 

SB421 – Autocycles. Defines autocycle as a type of motorcycle.

 

HB1191 – Recreational Trail Maintenance. Appropriates $2,000,000 for maintaining recreational trails.

 

HB1220 – Recreational Trail Fund. Provides a transfer of 10% of State sales tax on the first Saturday in June each year for trail maintenance.

 

HB1471 – Statewide Trail Policy. Requires the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to develop policies to address issues related to recreational trails.

 

The above information is correct on the bill numbers but the synopsis is very limited as to the content of the bills. I recommend you go to www.iga.in.gov to find a more in depth explanation of the content of the bills. You can also find the actions that have been taken on those bills.

 

Remembering that HB is for House bills and SB is for Senate bills will make your search much easier.

 

If you have any questions you can contact me at 812-536-2670 or the ABATE office at 1-800-232-2283. 

 

Now that it is March remember to RIDE far, RIDE safe and RIDE FREE!

 

Later,

 

Mike Meyer

State LINC Director