Here is a quick outline of the five separate issues going through the state legislature in this alert


Issue; 1. OHV use on Private Land
Issue; 2. OHV Users Robbed of OHV Funds Via Budget Proposal ( This one sounds real sweet)
Issue; 3. ATV Safety Bill More About RESTRICTION Than Safety (Provides for NO effective safety training Program, and would
ban completely ALL riding under the age of 12 on Public Land!!!)
Issue; 4 California Red Sticker Program Proposed For Waswhington State (California????AIN'T no way that can be good!!!!!!!)
Issue; 5 Legislation Allows OHV users to "Make The Loop" (Finally agood one!!!!!!!!)

BRC Put a URL To the AMA to link to these bills, but it didn't work or I would have posted the link

 

This is an example where allowing URL's on this list could be a benefit to all... We all understand the URL issue.. you don't want anyone to leave your site... because it cuts into your revenues... Just wondering how many people are driven away to sites that support getting out the message.

These are issues that are important to the survival of our sport... I would recommend a modification to your URL policy under certain limited circumstances.

As for the legislaation in Washington state... I think you are now undergoing what has been happening in other states. Mostly I think you will find it is driven by the environmental lobby... I believe the proposals are inline with the CPSC guidelines, however they have been aggressive in their under 12 proposals.

Welcome to the crusades...

 

So ridinlcwa whats the latest? BTW a bunch of people who ride from the mason co area will be at the capitol with thier bikes and quads on the 25th to speak out.

 

Thank you for asking about the status of ATV bills. There are several bills that have survived thus far.

Engrossed House Bill (EHB) 1003, is Representative Hinkle's bill to allow riding on public roads, when authorized by the agency that owns or operates the land. It passed the House of Representatives on March 4 by a vote of 90-6 (2 excused).

Senate Bill (SB) 5089 to basically ban you from riding on your own property if your neighbors complain, is out of the policy committee and in the Senate Rules Committee. That means that it is one step away from being voted on by the full Senate. The fine for a violiation is set for not less than $100. The kicker on this bill is that fines double each time a new infraction is issued. It could get expensive quick.

A related bill SB 5043, to clarify in state law that local governments have the responsibility for setting noise ordinances, is also in the Senate Ways & Means Committee. It had to pass by today. I'll know tomorrow if it passed. This is a fairly innocuous bill, except it gets Department of Ecology out of the noise standards setting business.

Another bill, HB 1029 to enact further restrictions on road riding, require mandatory rider training and other provisions passed House Transportation Committee today. It now goes to the Rules Committee for consideration of when it would go before the full House for a vote.

For the status of any of these bills go to: http://www.leg.wa.gov and enter the bill number (just the number without the HB or SB).

I'll be around on the 25th and will try to make the rally. I hope there is a good turnout.

Everyone should thank Representatives Bill Hinkle, Cary Condotta and Brian Sullivan for their leadership on ATV issues this session.

 

Cool but what about the cpsc standards? And when are we going riding?

 

BTW I will o riding with you if your willing even though you are a swampetowner[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img]

 

Quadduck,

There was a substitute version passed today for HB 1029. I don't have a copy yet. They were going to limit mandatory training to those under 16 years and with less than a certain number of years of experience. I think they were going to remove the vehicle size limits from the bill, but will have to wait to read the new version.

As for riding, I'm grounded for a few more weeks until the legisaltive session lightens up on me. Hopefully, after the next cutoff on March 16, most of my big bills will be finished. Also, my ATV is torn apart for me to replace the front part of the frame. I got a little up close and personal with a tree (actually three trees on separate occassions, but the last one finshed her off until repaired). I'm waiting on the part to arrive (hopefully this week or next). I should be back in the saddle by late March for some short weekend rides. Session ends April 24 and I should be wide open from there on out for the Summer and Fall.

 

I can't wait, I'd love to see my freshly modded eiger run against the vinny just to see if its any closer to being a real runner.

 

Good news on the ATV Legislation.

SB 5089 has been substituted with a study-only bill to study the issue of ORV noise. All of the proposed restrictions have been removed from the bill.

HB 1029 has been significantly altered from its original bill. The very problematic provisions have been removed. The Department of Transportation will still create a training program, in conjunction with local clubs and national training organizations. The intent is that they will adopt the standards of the ATV Safety Insitute and approve local clubs and trainers who train to that standard. The training is now only mandatory for persons under 16 years of age who are riding on public lands. One can also get a certificate without training if he or she has been riding for more than a year. Fees collected under this portion of the bill are restricted to be used ONLY for ATV safety training. Section 7 of the bill still is a bit problematic. It appears to conflict with HB 1003, by prohibiting riding on public roads, when 1003 approves this practice under certain circumstances. The bill continues to prohibit the use of an ATV on public lands for those under 16 without a helmet or eye protection. A sensible provision. Also those persons must be under "continuous supervision" of an adult.

I encourage you to look at the bill it appears to be much improved. Go to http://www.leg.wa.gov and enter 1029.

On another note, check out HB 1257, it creates new rights for motorcycle riders when getting insurance. It appears to be a good bill.

SB 5043 to clarify noise ordinance provisions appears to be dead for the year. It did not get out of the Ways & Means Committee by the cutoff date.

As mentioned previously, HB 1003 has passed the House. The good news is that it allows ORV use on non-highway public roads. A new provision was inserted making it an offense to ride on a private nonhighway road without permission. It also includes a helmet requirement when riding on a nonhighway road. However, it does clarify that the helmet provision does not apply to operators on their own land or on agricultural lands. The helmet provision also does not apply to ORVs equipped with a roll cage, such as the side-by-side car-like Yamaha Rhino, etc.

All bills must pass their house of Origin by 5 p.m Wednesday March 16. HB (house bills) must pass the House and SB (senate bills) must pass the Senate. You can check the status of any of these bills by going to http://www.leg.wa.gov and entering the bill number (without the HB or SB, just the number).

 

thanks for the updates.

i plan on being in olympia the 25th.

just a clarification- HB1003 makes it legal to ride on non-highway public roads... does that mean a one could ride the neighborhood streets as long as it is not designated as a highway?