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ABATE of SC's February Legislative Meeting Notes

S.141 Criminal Gang Prevention Act

This gang bill is the only one that has moved from its committee of origin. S.141 now resides in the Senate Finance Committee and a Fiscal Impact Statement has been issued. Senator Hugh Leatherman chairs the Finance Committee. Correspondence to the committee may be addressed to SFI@scsenate.org or Senate Finance Committee, Post Office Box 142, Columbia, S.C. 29202-0142. S.141 is currently sponsored by the following Senators: Knotts, Malloy, McConnell, Ford, Rankin, Cleary, Campsen, Setzler, Sheheen, Richardson, Vaughn, McGill, Elliott, Fair, Alexander, and Laurie. Other bills related to S.141 include: S.78, H.3049, H.3093, and H.3247.

Discussion summary:
*High priority legislation
*The term "gang" is not defined in the bill.
*We believe the bill violates "due process."
*Seizure provisions of the bill are troubling.
*Bill may encourage illegal searches and seizures.
*Statute would likely create expensive lawsuits.
*Statute would be expensive to enforce
*Roach provided Supreme Court References and a sample letter.

H.3201 Recreational Poker

This bill would allow poker to be played at a residence for the sole purpose of recreational activity. H.3201 currently resides in the House Judiciary Committee. The Honorable James Harrison chairs the House Judiciary Committee. Correspondence to the committee may be addressed to HJU@schouse.org or House Judiciary Committee, Post Office Box 11867, Columbia, S.C. 29211-1867. H.3201 is currently sponsored by the following representatives: Scarborough and Limehouse.

Discussion summary:
*ABATE encourages support of this legislation.
*New language to include poker runs is desired.
*Bill may have favorable impact on poker runs.

H.3084 Motorcycle Franchises

This bill pertains to motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and wholesalers territory and requirements. H.3084 currently resides in House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee. The Honorable Harry Cato chairs the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee. Correspondence to the committee may be addressed to HLC@schouse.org or House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee, Post Office Box 11867, Columbia, S.C. 29211-1867. H.3084 is currently sponsored by the following representatives: Clemmons and Witherspoon.

Discussion summary:
*Bill could impact the price of new motorcycles.
*This legislation is considered a low priority for ABATE

S.111 Traffic Sensors

This bill relates to traffic control signals, to allow motorcycles or mopeds to proceed through a highway intersection where a sensor fails to detect the vehicle because of its weight or size. S.111 currently resides in Senate Transportation Committee. Senator Greg Ryberg chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. Correspondence to the committee may be addressed to STR@scsenate.org or Senate Transportation Committee, Post Office Box 142, Columbia, S.C. 29202-0142. S.111 is currently sponsored by the following senators Leventis and Knotts.

Discussion summary:
*ABATE supports the bill as written.
*This bill may motivate DOT to correct defective sensors.
*Report defective sensors in your area to SCDOT and cc your senator.
*Governor is restructuring SCDOT and may be helpful.
* Contact Executive Director and State Highway Engineer: Tony Chapman at 803-737-1302 or 7900 and SC DOT, P.O. Box 191, Columbia SC 29202-0191

H.3092 Traffic Enforcement Cameras

This bill would allow the use of traffic enforcement cameras at intersections and other locations. H.3092 currently resides in House Judiciary Committee. The Honorable James Harrison chairs the House Judiciary Committee. Correspondence to the committee may be addressed to HJU@schouse.org or House Judiciary Committee, Post Office Box 11867, Columbia, S.C. 29211-1867. H.3092 is currently sponsored by the following representatives: Hamilton.

Discussion summary:
*ABATE opposes this bill
*Similar legislation increased rear impact accidents in VA and MD

H.122 Alcohol Testing after Fatal Accidents

This bill would require drivers involved in fatal accidents to submit to a chemical test to determine the presence of alcohol. H.122 currently resides in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Glenn McConnell chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. Correspondence to the committee may be addressed to SJU@scsenate.org or Senate Judiciary Committee, Post Office Box 142, Columbia, S.C. 29202-0142. S.122 is currently sponsored by the following senators: Martin, Ryberg, Richardson, Vaughn, Mescher, Knotts, Cleary, and Fair.

Discussion summary:
*ABATE supports this bill.

S.272 Motorcycle awareness signs

This bill would provide for motorcycle awareness signs. The Department of Transportation shall design and erect along the state's highways traffic signs that promote motorcycle safety at locations where motorcycle fatalities have occurred within three years before the erection of the sign. H272 currently resides in the Senate Transportation Committee. Senator Greg Ryberg chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. Correspondence to the committee may be addressed to STR@scsenate.org or Senate Transportation Committee, Post Office Box 142, Columbia, S.C. 29202-0142. S272 is currently sponsored by the following senators: Mescher.

Discussion summary:
*ABATE supports this bill
*Task Force Committee will impact design and placement.
*ABATE has representatives on Task Force Committee

H.3086 Bioptic telescopic lenses

This bill would provide that a person diagnosed with low vision acuity who uses bioptic telescopic lenses for vision assistance may be issued a driver's license. H.3086 currently resides in the House Education and Public Works Committee. The Honorable Robert Walker chairs the House Education and Public Works Committee. Correspondence to the committee may be addressed to REW@schouse.org or House Education and Public Works Committee, Post Office Box 11867, Columbia, S.C. 29211-1867. H.3086 is currently sponsored by the following representatives: Barfield.

Discussion summary:
This item has been tabled awaiting input for an ABATE member who uses bioptic telescopic lenses in the Upstate Area.

H.3006 Bicycle road provisions

This bill addresses requirements for bicyclists and motorists in regards to roadway usage. H.3006 currently resides in the House Education and Public Works Committee. Correspondence to the committee may be addressed to REW@schouse.org or House Education and Public Works Committee, Post Office Box 11867, Columbia, S.C. 29211-1867. H.3086 is currently sponsored by the following representatives: J.E. Smith and G.R. Smith.

Discussion summary:
*Supporting this bill may allow ABATE to build rapport with the bicyclists lobby groups. We share similar right of way concerns with these groups.

Motorcycle Rider Education and NHTSA:

Everyone present was encouraged to contact Diane Wiggle with NHTSA immediately. We oppose a national standard for motorcycle rider training. ABATE feels motorcycle rider training is best when governed by the states since riding conditions and environments vary from state to state. NHTSA held a meeting February 5th regarding this issue.

Task Force Committee Update:

Task Force Committee wishes to change the attitude of motorcyclists. The Task Force Committee hopes to influence motorcyclists to be more safety conscientious. Their motivation is to reduce fatalities by altering attitudes and promoting rider training.

ABATE wishes to point out to the Task Force Committee that "Share the Road" signs are being placed on private property near main highways by some of our chapters and members. CBA has erected a "Share the Road" sign in Highpoint NC.

Frankie mentioned Jeff and Barbie training volunteers to go into the high school Driver’s Ed classes sometime in March. Details will be provided at the next legislative meeting.

Our representatives on the Task Force Committee will ask SCDPS to improve training and work to properly mark and preserve ALL accident scenes. It was suggested we work together with SCDPS to reduce drunk driving and support toxin testing with all fatal accidents.

Riders' Edge Report

Frankie suggested that HD's Riders' Edge could promote taking test on your personal bike rather than providing smaller Buell Blasts for DMV tests. Concern was also expressed about allowing groups other than SC Riders Ed to provide license waivers. Harley Davidson and the SC Motorcycle Association should be asked to subsidize the existing facilities where SC Rider Ed is providing training.

FF Note: Frankie provided the raw notes that made this update possible!

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