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California

A.B. 2972, co-authored by Assemblymember Anna Caballero (D- Salinas) and Speaker Pro-Tem Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo), would prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping motorcyclists based on “the fact that a person rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle or motorcycle club-related clothing, … without any individualized suspicion.” The AMA supports this bill, which is in keeping with the organization’s position statement on motorcyclist profiling.

Also, A.B. 1874, sponsored by Assemblymember Randy Voepel (R-Santee), would end the transfer of funds by the state taken from the Off-Highway Vehicle Trust Fund to the General Fund. Currently, state law requires the Controller to transfer $833,000 a month.

Hawaii

H.B. 1749, cosponsored by eight legislators, would require all operators and passengers of motorcycles and bicycles to wear helmets. Current state law requires riders and passengers younger than 18 to wear helmets.

Nevada

A.B. 261, which took effect this year, closes a loophole that allowed adults to continue to obtain learner permits, rather than move on to a full motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses. Under the new law, the permit expires after six months and may be renewed no more than once. And the applicant may not reapply for another permit for five years.

West Virginia

S.B. 4488, sponsored by Delegate Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay) would add Braxton, Clay, Fayette, Nicholas and Webster counties to the Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area. The bill also would prohibit the consumption of non-intoxicating beer, non-intoxicating craft beer or wine at any time within the Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area; prohibit a child younger than 6 from being on any trail within the area; prohibit children younger than 8 who are required to be in a child passenger safety device in a car from being on any trail within the area; and require anyone operating or riding an ATV, UTV or motorcycle to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding age and size limitations for operators and passengers.