The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) is very pleased to report that two of its’ five bills sitting with committees have just been released with “Favorable, Ought to Pass” recommendations.
Senate Bill Number 1934, sponsored by Senator Thomas M. McGee and named for Danny Wood from Saugus, MA, assures that the funds collected with each annual motorcycle registration are correctly allocated to motorcycle safety training programs across the Commonwealth while also changing the state’s accounting practices to make it more difficult for these funds to be appropriated for other uses.
Senate Bill Number 1894, sponsored by Senator Stephen M. Brewer and named for Ryan Orcutt from Brockton, MA, is designed for junior motorcycle operators (under age 18) and requires successful Basic Motorcycle Rider Course completion before the motorcyclists can get their motorcycle license. This change creates equity between Junior Motorcycle and Junior Motor Vehicle Operator requirements.
Both of these motorcycle safety bills are consistent with the MMA’s mission of Safety and Education.
Public Hearings to the Joint Committee on Transportation were held October 6, 2009 and included testimony from the Board and Members of the MMA. Heartfelt testimony from the parents of Danny Wood and Ryan Orcutt brought to the forefront the need for these Public Safety Bills. In addition, approximately 35 students and faculty from the Southeastern Regional Technical High School in South Easton, attended these hearings and testified in memory of their schoolmate, Ryan Orcutt.
The MMA notes that both of these Public Safety Bills already have broad Legislative support as evidenced by 26 formal Co-Sponsors and additional written support from many other Legislators.
For further information, please contact the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA). Further details can be found on their web site: www.MassMotorcycle.org