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!
