California

A.B. 2972 would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from profiling motorcyclists. The bill provides a clear legal definition of motorcyclist profiling and includes a “relief clause” that would allow motorcyclists to pursue court action if they believe they have been profiled. The AMA is part of the California Motorcycle Anti-Profiling Coalition that supports this legislation. The bill was introduced by state Assemblymembers Anna Caballero (D-Hollister) and Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo). The AMA position on profiling can be found at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/About-The-AMA/motorcyclist-profiling.

Colorado

H.B. 1272 is a distracted driving proposal that requires cell service providers to make distraction-control technology available. Use of the technology would be at the customer’s discretion. The technology would limit distracting content from the network on any mobile device while the customer is driving. The bill was introduced by state Reps. Mike Foote (D-Lafayette) and Jovan Melton (D-Aurora).

Mississippi

Drivers of autocycles, such as the Polaris Slingshot, will no longer have to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their licenses after July 1. Mississippi is the 43rd state to adopt such legislation. Slingshots are considered motorcycles under federal vehicle classifications. But the vehicles have a steering wheel and side-by-side seating, unlike motorcycles. Polaris states in its literature that the “Slingshot is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile and does not meet automotive safety standards. Drivers should always wear helmets and seat belts.”

New Mexico

The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance successfully lobbied state legislators during the budget process and protected the Trail Safety Fund from a revenue raid. For the past five years, legislators took about $500,000 a year from the fund to help balance the state budget.

NMOHVA officers credited the work of freshman state Rep. Rebecca Dow, a Republican who represents Grant, Sierra and Hildalgo counties.