ABATE of Indiana - 2024-0119

Here’s a LINC Update. If you can’t tell, my intention is to write these every week so long as the Indiana General Assembly is in session. Owing to the holiday on Monday, it was a short week for the IGA, but as is so often the case, a few things of note did happen.

While it is not on our watchlist this session, HB 1315 that creates a biofuel (ethanol blended fuel) tax credit was heard, assigned to committee, and will be heard in committee on Monday, January 22nd. I predict this bill will pass. This is a great example of why ABATE’s Biker Approved Gas (BAG) program is so important, and the need for this program will only increase.

A new bill did enter onto our watchlist this week. SB281 concerns child safety requirements for off-road vehicles. Some of you may remember a few years ago when a bill of this nature was passed into law. SB281 seeks to clean up the worst wording that ended up making it into Indiana code. However, there’s still a lot to be desired with the wording of SB281. We’re communicating with the bill’s author, Mark Messmer, who I can say is a friend to ABATE and to Hoosier bikers. ABATE’s position on SB281 is neutral at this time.

None of the bills on our watchlist were heard in committee this week.

Next week:

Tuesday is ABATE Day at the Statehouse!! Even if you haven’t made appointments, please show up. There will be folks with experience attending that may be able to help you set up an appointment the day of or find a legislator to do a “walk and talk” with. Even if that doesn’t pan out, the more bodies with ABATE shirts that are in the building, the better.

The House Roads & Transportation Committee will also meet on Tuesday. 8:30 in room 404. They are scheduled to hear HB1162 - the BMV bill. If you happen to be onsite early for ABATE Day, I encourage you to hang around outside that room during the meeting. ABATE’s position on HB1162 is currently NEUTRAL. However, a few ABATE shirts outside the committee room to send a silent message of vigilance to the BMV might not be the worst thing.

Unless something changes (which it often does) none of the other legislation on our watchlist is scheduled for hearing next week.

Speaking of our watchlist, here’s the updated list.

Bill Number	Brief	ABATE's Position	Status as of 01.12	Notes
SB21	Extends Lemon Law Protection to RVs	Support	Assigned to Senate Judiciary Committee	Communicating with bill author to add Motorcycle provisions. Would set positive precedent in current form.
SB53	Right to Repair	Support	Assigned to Senate Commerce and Technology Committee	Communicating with bill author to add Motorcycle provisions. Would set positive precedent in current form.
SB57	Requires Direct Human Oversight of Automated Commercial Motor Vehicles	Support	Assigned to Senate Homeland Security & Transportation Committee
SB65	Salvage Motor Vehicles	Neutral	Assigned to Senate Homeland Security & Transportation Committee
SB281	Child safety requirements for off-road vehicles	Neutral	Assigned to Senate Homeland Security & Transportation Committee	Attempts to fix odd wording from the previous ORV Helmet bill. Introduces more odd wording. Communicating with bill author.
HB1022	Requires Direct Human Oversight of Automated Commercial Motor Vehicles	Support	Assigned to House Roads & Transportation Committee
HB1030	Allows Disuse of Seat Belts to be Used as Contributory Negligence	Oppose	Assigned to House Judiciary Committee	Sets an incredibly dangerous precedent for future helmet legislation
HB1129	Defines and defunds "J-Turn Intersections	Neutral	Assigned to House Roads & Transportation Committee
HB1155	Right to Repair	Support	Assigned to House Agriculture & Rural Development Committee	Communicating with bill author to add Motorcycle provisions. Would set positive precedent in current form.
HB1162	BMV Matters	Neutral	House Roads & Transportation Committee hearing 01.23	Allows BMV to establish electronic learner permits

Remaining Vigilant,

Aaron Meyer