The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) is pleased to report that the Joint Committee on Transportation has scheduled Public Hearings for Wednesday June 26 at 10AM in the State House Hearing Room B-1. The MMA needs your immediate support through attending the hearing and/or writing your legislators in support of the MMA's Legislative Agenda.
The list of Bills scheduled to be heard include MMA-Authored Right of Way Violations Bill 3040 (H.3040). Sponsored by Representative Geoff Diehl, this Bill is co-Sponsored by Representatives Christine Canavan, Carolyn Dykema, Sarah Peake, Elizabeth Poirier, Todd Smola, David Viera, James Miceli, Bradford Hill, Randy Hunt, Marc Lombardo and Senators Mike Knapik, and Bruce Tarr and the MMA.
H.3040 seeks to strengthen penalties for vehicle operators who violate another person's right-of-way that often results in injury or death: the current $35.00 fine does not deter drivers today, nor is it often enforced due to the insignificant penalty. Also, H.3040 applies to all users of the roadway, including vehicle operators, bicyclists, and pedestrians. H.3040 is a no cost to the Commonwealth public safety bill that can help save lives immediately.
Noting that only 25 Bills are currently listed for this hearing, the MMA believes this list will grow and may in fact, eventually include all seven (7) MMA Bills currently assigned to this Joint Committee, or perhaps bills the MMA opposes. You can find more about the MMA's Legislative Agenda on the MMA's Website, http://www.MassMotorcycle.org.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION!
Riders are encouraged to make arrangements to join MMA Officers at this Hearing to show the breadth of support this Bill enjoys. We will publish a common meeting place in the very near future and now is the time to plan on filling the room with leather-clad riders.
Whether you are able to join us or not, all riders are asked to write a letter explaining your support for H.3040, while also asking for the support of your State Senator and State Representative. A written letter is the most strongly valued by those in office and can be mailed or faxed. In your letter, please ask them to contact the Transportation Committee Joint Chairs, Senator Thomas McGee and Representative William Straus:
Senator Thomas McGee
State House, Room 109C
Boston, MA 02133
Representative William Strauss
State House, Room 134
Boston, MA 02133
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