Legislative Alert January 22, 2005 - HB 450 Helmet Bill Filed

The 2005 session of the Maryland General Assembly has begun and ABATE of
Maryland, Inc. is preparing to file bills for this session.  The first bill
to be filed will be the Motorcycle Helmet Bill.  This bill will be identical
to the bill that passed the full Maryland Senate last year.  It would
eliminate mandatory motorcycle helmet use by riders over the age of 21.  The
bill includes provisions for both passengers and riders and allows for those
who have taken a motorcycle safety course or have two or more years riding
experience to decide for themselves whether to wear a helmet when riding a
motorcycle.

Last year the motorcycle helmet bill passed the full Senate by a vote of 26
yeas to 21 nays.  We ran out of time at the end of the session to obtain a
vote in the House of Delegates.  This year's bill will be introduced in the
House of Delegates and we will work to build on the momentum achieved in the
Senate last year.  When the bill is filed we will have at least 40
co-sponsors.

Check the 'Legislators Summary'
(http://www.abate-of-maryland.org/LegislatorsSummary.htm) on the ABATE of
Maryland, Inc. web site to see your House of Delegates representatives'
declared position regarding the helmet law.  It is important to remember to
thank those who are supporters and to contact those whose position is
unknown or opposed to the bill and ask them to consider voting for or become
a co-sponsor of the bill.

We strongly encourage everyone to attend Monday Night Lobbying on Monday
January 24, 2005.  Assemble at the ABATE of Maryland, Inc. office at 71
Franklin St. in Annapolis after 5:30 pm.  Visit legislators prior to the
8:00 pm session.  View the session proceedings from the gallery at 8:00 pm.
The ABATE of Maryland, Inc. office is within walking distance to the State
House.

http://www.abate-of-maryland.org
mdabate@erols.com