TMRA2 UPDATE FROM THE CAPITOL - END OF SESSION
June/10/2013
TMRA2 Summary of the 83rd Legislative Session: Well the regular session has ended and now we go into special session over the redistricting issue.
The only way to describe this session is, slow as a turtle. Many bills were introduced way too late. Many good bills, (including all the gun bills) were killed due to the House of Representatives and senate arguing over the same issues as last session. And many bills that get introduced every session, like the DUI road block bill, never even made it into committee hearings. We were happy about that because killing bills can be just as hard as passing them.
The only way to describe this session is, slow as a turtle. Many bills were introduced way too late. Many good bills, (including all the gun bills) were killed due to the House of Representatives and senate arguing over the same issues as last session. And many bills that get introduced every session, like the DUI road block bill, never even made it into committee hearings. We were happy about that because killing bills can be just as hard as passing them.
But we did have success with SB763 the trike training program bill. The bill provides for a special training program for those who ride a trike or three wheels. It is a cleanup bill of SB1967 that was passed in 2009. Driving a trike/three wheels is nothing like riding a motorcycle. So these bikers, many who are veterans, deserve their own training course. Many thanks to Tornado Robert Richey for taking the time to testify with myself on behalf of this bill. Jude from the Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition testified and worked the bill and tweaked the language from the original, provided by Robin Warfield with Abate. John Young's area of the Texas DPS Motorcycle Rider Training area provided information on how the program would work. It also provides penalty's to anyone who sets up a non
state approved motorcycle Safety Course. It's already the law that if you want to set up a training school, it has to be state approved. This new language outlines actual penalties.
The Susan Combs 501 funds were removed and we needed to go in front of the senate finance committee to request rededication of the money. The problem was the senate was not hearing or allowing testimony to rededicate any funds including the 501 money. We will have to go back again next session and request it again. And we need to start working on it way before the session starts.
According to Sandy in Senator Kirk Watson's office, they expect the governor to sign the bill. The trike language was also added to HB3838, a passenger equipment bill introduced by Representative Phillips. The bill states basically if you want to ride a passenger on your bike, you have to have a seat that holds two people, handholds, and foot pegs. Under federal law manufacturers are already required to put the equipment on any bike designed for two. With the exception on handholds, the language is already law and has been for awhile. It also says a child has to be at least five years of age to ride as a passenger, that's already law too passed last session. But because hb3838 also was on its way to the governor's desk, it is a second way to get the trike language passed. We will wait and see what happens.
We would like to thank the TMRA2 member's and chapters who have supported the state office through the session. It is expensive to do this work.
The contributors are:
TMRA2 Contributor's:
Riders for Rights Chapter Fundraiser $1,000 donation
VFW Fish Fry Fundraiser $675.00 donation
Gypsy International MC $500.00 supporter members
TMRA2 Austin Minutemen $100.00 per month donation
North Houston Liberty Riders TMRA2 Tri-fold donation
1st Brazoria Chapter $100.00 per month donation
Mad Mike and Brenda bi monthly $60.00 ongoing membership
Lost Inc MC Leg Day Parking donation $100.00
US Defenders Leg Day Parking Donation $100.00
Austin COC&I Leg Day parking donation $200.00
Abate Leg Day Parking Donation $100.00
TMRA2 state office Leg Day parking donation $200.00
George and Carolyn Tamplen $15.00 ongoing membership
Heart of Texas Chapter Leg Day Parking $250.00
And thanks to everyone who became a TMRA2 member and or Life member. WE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN AT THE CAPITOL WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT.
Texas motorcycle Rights Association 22nd Anniversary party and annual membership meeting: We are so excited to be celebrating the 22nd anniversary of one of the greatest MRO's in the country. Despite many challenges and hard times, Sputnik's dream of "bikers at the capitol" is still alive and well thanks to all of the rights groups working together.
Here is the information on the party June 22nd.
TMRA2 22nd BIRTHDAY PARTY
TMRA2 STATE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
WILL BE JUNE 22, 2012
General Membership meeting will be at 11:00AM District Advisor Meeting will be at 1:00PM-(District Advisor reports and discussion of the future of TMRA2. We will give the winners of the elections.
TMRA2 22nd Anniversary Party
50/50 drawing and raffle items. We will be doing a membership drive so if you need to renew your membership we will have a booth set up. We will also be celebrating Escondido Paul's birthday Location Hartails bar and Grill http://www.hardtailsbarandgrill.com/ 1515 N IH 35 Georgetown, Texas 78628
TMRA2 Elections:
Below link is the TMRA2 Election Ballot for 2013. You must be an Active member to vote. For complete guidelines go to tmra2.org.
Elmer has it in the main page. Just download the form, vote, and mail it into the TMRA2 state Office at 275 Old Lexington Road Elgin, Texas 78621.
http://www.tmra2.org/images/2013/tmra2elections.pdf
TMRA2 Election Procedures:
Elections shall take place during June of odd numbered years. Nomination petitions shall be accepted at the state office. Petitions shall include a brief biography (75 words or less) and be signed by (3) three members in good standing. Petitions shall be placed in the state newsletter, along with a ballot. The Ballot shall also be posted on the web sites to be downloaded by members wishing to cast their vote. Mail in Ballots must be in the office no later than five days prior to the General Meeting. Ballots may be turned in at the State Meeting providing the person casting the Ballot is a verifiable member in good standing for at least 30 days. To vote in an election a person must be a member in good standing at least 30 days prior to the vote.
A committee, appointed by the Advisory Board, just prior to the June meeting will count the votes. Winners shall be determined by a simple majority vote. New officers will be seated at the beginning of new business, during the general membership meeting. Term of office will be two years. All members shall elect the state chairman and members shall elect Advisors from their district only. So we look forward to seeing everyone on June 22nd. Hardtails has good food, drinks, and location for the meeting and the party. So mark your calendar for June 22nd. See ya there.
Terri Williams
TMRA2 Legislative Task Force
secretary@tmra2.org
http://www.tmra2.org/images/warrior.pdf
http://www.txcocinews.org/tmra-2.html
BECAUSE FREEDOM CAN'T PROTECT ITSELF!
state approved motorcycle Safety Course. It's already the law that if you want to set up a training school, it has to be state approved. This new language outlines actual penalties.
The Susan Combs 501 funds were removed and we needed to go in front of the senate finance committee to request rededication of the money. The problem was the senate was not hearing or allowing testimony to rededicate any funds including the 501 money. We will have to go back again next session and request it again. And we need to start working on it way before the session starts.
According to Sandy in Senator Kirk Watson's office, they expect the governor to sign the bill. The trike language was also added to HB3838, a passenger equipment bill introduced by Representative Phillips. The bill states basically if you want to ride a passenger on your bike, you have to have a seat that holds two people, handholds, and foot pegs. Under federal law manufacturers are already required to put the equipment on any bike designed for two. With the exception on handholds, the language is already law and has been for awhile. It also says a child has to be at least five years of age to ride as a passenger, that's already law too passed last session. But because hb3838 also was on its way to the governor's desk, it is a second way to get the trike language passed. We will wait and see what happens.
We would like to thank the TMRA2 member's and chapters who have supported the state office through the session. It is expensive to do this work.
The contributors are:
TMRA2 Contributor's:
Riders for Rights Chapter Fundraiser $1,000 donation
VFW Fish Fry Fundraiser $675.00 donation
Gypsy International MC $500.00 supporter members
TMRA2 Austin Minutemen $100.00 per month donation
North Houston Liberty Riders TMRA2 Tri-fold donation
1st Brazoria Chapter $100.00 per month donation
Mad Mike and Brenda bi monthly $60.00 ongoing membership
Lost Inc MC Leg Day Parking donation $100.00
US Defenders Leg Day Parking Donation $100.00
Austin COC&I Leg Day parking donation $200.00
Abate Leg Day Parking Donation $100.00
TMRA2 state office Leg Day parking donation $200.00
George and Carolyn Tamplen $15.00 ongoing membership
Heart of Texas Chapter Leg Day Parking $250.00
And thanks to everyone who became a TMRA2 member and or Life member. WE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN AT THE CAPITOL WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT.
Texas motorcycle Rights Association 22nd Anniversary party and annual membership meeting: We are so excited to be celebrating the 22nd anniversary of one of the greatest MRO's in the country. Despite many challenges and hard times, Sputnik's dream of "bikers at the capitol" is still alive and well thanks to all of the rights groups working together.
Here is the information on the party June 22nd.
TMRA2 22nd BIRTHDAY PARTY
TMRA2 STATE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
WILL BE JUNE 22, 2012
General Membership meeting will be at 11:00AM District Advisor Meeting will be at 1:00PM-(District Advisor reports and discussion of the future of TMRA2. We will give the winners of the elections.
TMRA2 22nd Anniversary Party
50/50 drawing and raffle items. We will be doing a membership drive so if you need to renew your membership we will have a booth set up. We will also be celebrating Escondido Paul's birthday Location Hartails bar and Grill http://www.hardtailsbarandgrill.com/ 1515 N IH 35 Georgetown, Texas 78628
TMRA2 Elections:
Below link is the TMRA2 Election Ballot for 2013. You must be an Active member to vote. For complete guidelines go to tmra2.org.
Elmer has it in the main page. Just download the form, vote, and mail it into the TMRA2 state Office at 275 Old Lexington Road Elgin, Texas 78621.
http://www.tmra2.org/images/2013/tmra2elections.pdf
TMRA2 Election Procedures:
Elections shall take place during June of odd numbered years. Nomination petitions shall be accepted at the state office. Petitions shall include a brief biography (75 words or less) and be signed by (3) three members in good standing. Petitions shall be placed in the state newsletter, along with a ballot. The Ballot shall also be posted on the web sites to be downloaded by members wishing to cast their vote. Mail in Ballots must be in the office no later than five days prior to the General Meeting. Ballots may be turned in at the State Meeting providing the person casting the Ballot is a verifiable member in good standing for at least 30 days. To vote in an election a person must be a member in good standing at least 30 days prior to the vote.
A committee, appointed by the Advisory Board, just prior to the June meeting will count the votes. Winners shall be determined by a simple majority vote. New officers will be seated at the beginning of new business, during the general membership meeting. Term of office will be two years. All members shall elect the state chairman and members shall elect Advisors from their district only. So we look forward to seeing everyone on June 22nd. Hardtails has good food, drinks, and location for the meeting and the party. So mark your calendar for June 22nd. See ya there.
Terri Williams
TMRA2 Legislative Task Force
secretary@tmra2.org
http://www.tmra2.org/images/warrior.pdf
http://www.txcocinews.org/tmra-2.html
BECAUSE FREEDOM CAN'T PROTECT ITSELF!
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