Bikers Rights Issues

Arkansas legislative update

Feb 05

Follow up on the bills mentioned in the last Legislative Report affecting motorcycling and transportation:
 
Representative Shirley Borhauer (R) Bella Vista), introduced HB1066, a bill to require loads hauled by vehicles to be covered.  The companion bill, SB37, was introduced in the Senate by Senator Kim Hendren (R) (Gravette).  These bills were referred to the House and Senate Committees on Public Transportation, respectfully.  Neither of these bills have received action while in committee.
 
Sen Hendren introduced three pieces of legislation:
SB35 would require certain vehicles delivering sand, gravel, etc. to display a telephone number on the rear of the vehicle;
SB36 would prohibit placing signs that deny responsibility for damage or stating vehicles should follow at a specific distance;
SB45 would require drivers to use hands-free cellular telephone devices while driving.
These three bills were referred to the Senate Public Transportation Committee; where they still wait to be considered.
 
Senator Jimmy Jeffress (D) (Crossett) introduced SB52 prohibiting the use of automated enforcement devices (AED) to enforce traffic laws outside cities except in limited circumstances.  This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Transportation where it was withdrawn from Committee for purpose of adding amendment #1 (which would not prevent the Arkansas Highway Police from using AED to enforce state or federal motor carrier laws).  Once amended, it was sent back to the Senate Committee on Public Transportation.  Further action is pending.
 
Representative Phillip Jackson (R) (Berryville) introduced HB1077 that would allow a private driver training facility to administer the skills test required to obtain a commercial drivers license.  This bill was referred to the House Public Transportation Committee.  The bill was amended twice, passed by the House, sent to the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Public Transportation - Sen. Tracy Steele, Chair (D) (North Little Rock); Sen Jim Holt, Vice Chair (R) (Springdale).
 
Senator Kim Hendren introduced SB66 that would clarify the procedure for updating the vehicle insurance database.  One of the stipulations would suspend the registration of a motor vehicle that is not insured for three consecutive months.  This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Transportation.
 
Introductions affecting personal freedom
 
Rep. Borhauer introduced HB1069 that would prohibit the possession or consumption from an open alcoholic beverage container by passengers in a motor vehicle.  This bill was referred to the House Rules Committee and later withdrawn by the author.
 
Senators Jim Holt (R) (Springdale and Denny Altes (R) (Fort Smith) introduced SB206 "An act to create the Arkansas Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act".  The goal of this bill - discourage illegal immigration by requiring proper proof of citizenship and immigration status when applying for public benefits and voting privileges.  This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.
 
Introductions affecting veterans:
 
Representative Jeff Wood (D) (Sherwood) introduced HB1141 that would amend the tuition waiver and assistance program for Arkansas National Guard soldiers.  This bill was referred to the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs.  It was passed by the House, sent to the Senate, and referred to the Senate Committee on Education.
 
Till next week - make decisions based on facts.
 
Ginger Lewis
ABATE of Arkansas
Ride Free Arkansas PAC
pathfinder1@earthlink.net