ABATE of Maryland, Inc.-Legislative Goals 2020
Must Appear Bill: if violating the right-of-way of or causing the serious physical injury or death of a vulnerable individual as a result of the person operating a vehicle in a careless or distracted manner, the violator may be fined up to a certain dollar amount and must appear in court. This would be a modification to the previoulsy passed ROW bill from 2008: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?ys=2008rs/billfile/SB0712.htm
Helmet Modification Bill: Allow motorcycle operators and rider that are at least 21 years old who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least 2 years, has completed a certain motorcycle safety course, or is a passenger on a motorcycle operated by a driver who has been licensed for at least 2 years or has completed a certain motorcycle safety course. We are working with Senator Hough’s office to file this legislation again this year. (Bill from last year: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0981&stab=01&ys=2019RS )
Grass Clippings: We are looking at developing a bill to strictly prohibit grass clipping or lawn debris from being placed, blown or deposited onto a roadway. Del. Steve Arentz (R, District 36) has prepared a draft and we are working with his office to pursue this legislation in 2020.
These three issues will require a lot of effort. We will need as many people to help as possible. Monday Night Lobbying, calls to representatives, attending committee hearings, etc. If we all do a little, we can make a great impact.