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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association announced today that it has renamed its “Junior Motorcycle Operator Bill” filed as Senate Bill 1894, as “Ryan’s Bill” in honor of 16 year-old Ryan Orcutt, whose life was tragically cut short in March while riding his brother’s Motorcycle in Brockton.  Students of the Southeastern Regional High School, which Ryan attended, had made the proposal through Representative Christine Canavan’s office, which was warmly received and supported.

Rick Gleason, MMA District 2 Manager, and Doc D’Errico, MMA Legislative Director, visited the Southeastern Regional Vocational High School in South Easton, MA, on Friday, June 12^th to speak with Ryan’s former classmates at the invitation of Officer Cally Gurney, the School’s Resource Officer, Pamela Foster, Criminal Justice Instructor, and Joseph Donovan, Plumbing Instructor and Ryan’s teacher.

Officer Gurney wrote in an email to the MMA, “This past March the students here lost one of their sophomores to a tragic motorcycle accident in Brockton.  His name was Ryan Orcutt and he was only sixteen years old.  Ryan’s classmates would like to try and prevent further tragedies in their communities like this one.   After reviewing the proposed legislation the students would like to assist in the process of passing this new law.  They would also like to title Bill No. 1894 ‘Ryan’s Law’ as a tribute to their classmate.”

Rick Gleason opened the discussion by informing the students that, “we received your request and opened a dialog with Senator Brewer’s office immediately after Officer Gurney spoke with Ryan’s parents – he was quite touched at the outpouring of support and immediately filed an amendment to change the name…  I’m pleased to inform you that the MMA’s S.1894 is now officially, ‘Ryan’s Bill’”.  Mr. Gleason’s announcement was met with spontaneous applause and appreciation from the students and faculty in attendance.

Mr. Gleason and Dr. D’Errico discussed with the students the legislative process that the MMA uses, the tremendous support they receive from the Legislators who’ve signed on as co-sponsors of the MMA’s Legislative Agenda, and “next steps” associated with each bill.  “We were quite surprised at the large turnout by the students and their interest in the legislative process,” said Doc.  “You could clearly see their desire to make Ryan’s passing more meaningful.”

The students and faculty pledged to support the efforts of Ryan’s Bill by campaigning within their school, families and friends to write their Legislators in support of Ryan’s Bill.  Mr. Gleason promised to keep them apprised of hearing dates as the Bill works its way through the Transportation Committee process.