Enemy of the State

[TexasRed]

John J. Carona
District 16
Dallas

Caronas Email

Another attempt at eroding YOUR rights in this great State of Texas. Make sure you let Mr. Carona, as well as your appropriate district representatives know how you feel about his proposed helmet amendment! I "try" not to be a militant bitch .. but I Sec. 661.004's new paragraph addition is specifically aimed at harassment.

Write 'em, you'll be glad you did. If you dont know who your representatives are go Here here and enter your address.

By: Carona
S.B. No. 1368

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT
relating to the protective headgear requirements for motorcycle operators and passengers.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Sections 661.003(c) and (h), Transportation Code, are
amended to read as follows:

(c) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a) or (b) that at the time the offense was committed, the person required to wear protective headgear was at least 21 years old, [and] had successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course under Chapter 662, and [or] was covered by a health insurance plan providing the person with at least $150,000 [$10,000] in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of an accident while operating or riding on a motorcycle. A peace officer may not arrest a person or issue a citation to a person for a violation of Subsection (a) or (b) if the person required to wear protective headgear is at least 21 years of age, [and] presents evidence sufficient to show that the person required to wear protective headgear has successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course, and [or] is covered by a health insurance plan as described by this subsection.

(h) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 [$10] or more than $1,500 [$50].

SECTION 2. Section 661.004, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 661.004. AUTHORITY OF PEACE OFFICER TO INSPECT PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR. Any peace officer may stop and detain:

(1) a person who is a motorcycle operator or passenger to inspect the person's protective headgear for compliance with the safety standards prescribed by the department; or

(2) a person who is a motorcycle operator or passenger who is not wearing protective headgear to inspect for sufficient evidence of compliance with Section 661.003(c).

SECTION 3. (a) The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. For purposes of this section, an offense is committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurs before this date.

(b) An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is covered by the law in effect when the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect June 1, 2008.

[speed]

That is something I never thought I would see in Texas. Did somebody from the "left" coast move to Texas and get elected to office?

SM

[TexasRed]

Its bad enough the asshole is trying to raise the current fines/requirements .. but that last one in red climbs all over me! I know several folks who got pulled over for no helmet, with the exception card from the MSF course in their pocket & the cop insisted they "produce the whole fucking insurance policy" Like anyone carries that shit. Ticket issued, then of course, its up to the biker to appear in person to get the damn thing dismissed!

Somebody starts this shit every year rather than spend the effort on proper education of the non-riding public.

[speed]

Bastards have to stick their noses into everything eh?

SM

[TexasRed]

I know very few I respect.