HB 1205
Well, here we are slap in the middle of winter. What winter, you ask? Boy it has been a strange one, for sure. I can’t remember the last time I saw groups of riders in late December!! Just remember to be careful out there because they hardly look for us in the summer, so you can bet your leather they’re not looking in February!
Hopefully, we are bragging about a successful ABATE Day at the Statehouse these days. I’m sure pictures will be in next month. Right of Way legislation has been introduced into our Indiana Legislature. As you are doing your homework, you will see this legislation referred to as ROW. I put off the writing of this article waiting to see what the bill number was going to be. The bill is HB 1205. The bill “increases penalties for persons who violate certain laws concerning motor vehicle operation if the violation results in: (1) an injury to another person; (2) a serious bodily injury to another person; or (3) the death of another person.” The bill will increase penalties for different offenses, basically coming more in line with having the penalty fit the crime. We all know about accidents that have involved motorcyclists that were the fault of a vehicle driver, and the penalty was very minimal.
It is very
important when you are speaking about HB
1205 to remember that it is not just for the benefit of motorcyclists, but
for ALL motor vehicle operators. And
conversely, you must remember, if you are riding your motorcycle, and you
violate the right of way of another vehicle, the increased penalties will
apply. Please do not think that this is
a bill JUST for motorcyclists, it is for all of us. If you wish to see how this ROW legislation is born, you can
visit the AMA website at www.ama-cycle.org.
You will learn how the legislation is worded, which states have been successful in getting ROW legislation passed, etc.
The legislative session is officially in full operation now. Please visit www.in.gov and become familiar with what is going on. This is the very best way to watch the legislative process. It is certainly the best way to watch HB 1205. You can literally follow a bill almost hour by hour on this site. Of course, most people don’t get nearly as excited about this process as yours truly, but it is an amazing process and it is uniquely ours. We should embrace it, support it and do our best to try and understand it.
Here is how to follow HB 1205. Go to www.in.gov, on the far right side under Branches click on Legislative. That takes you to the IN General Assembly page. On the left side of that page click on Bills and Resolutions. You will be on the Bill Info page. In the box titled Go To Bill, simply type in 1205 and click GO. And there you will have it, HB 1205 in all its glory. You can see exactly what is going on with it. Check it every day, because things change often.
Now that you have become so familiar with this bill, get on the phone or email and contact your representative and ask him or her to support this bill. You don’t need to give any more details than that. Just identify yourself as a constituent and ask for the support.
Please pass this information on to everyone you know. This is an important piece of legislation for us. Any questions, please call.
Till next time, stay warm and think spring! Hope to see you all at the Awards Banquet.
Ride
Free, Ride Safe, Ride Sober
Terry
Eads
812-876-5852