Virginia Rider Alert Bill NO. 3073 & 1398
(HB3073) 02/02/07 House: Failed to report (defeated) in Courts of Justice (9-Y 10-N) YEAS--Albo, McQuigg, Iaquinto, Waddell, Melvin, Armstrong, Barlow, Watts, Toscano--9. NAYS--Griffith, Kilgore, Hurt, Athey, Janis, Bell, Cline, Fralin, Peace, Moran--10. ABSTENTIONS--0. NOT VOTING--Gilbert, Johnson, Marsden--3. (SB1398) 01/30/07 Senate: Passed by indefinitely in Local Government (15-Y 0-N) YEAS--Quayle, Marsh, Lucas, Martin, Hanger, Newman, Ticer, Whipple, Reynolds, Puckett, Puller, Ruff, Cuccinelli, Obenshain, Herring--15. NAYS--0. ABSTENTIONS--0. Two Bills Threaten Motorized Recreation Virginia House bill 3073, introduced by Del. R. Lee Ware, Jr. (R-Fitchburg), would make it unlawful to operate either a dirtbike or an ATV within 500 feet of any dwelling. The bill exempts farming and forestry actives, but fails to exempt operation within 500 feet of the operators own dwelling. [ View Bill Click Here]
Similarly, Senate bill 1398, introduced by Sen. John C. Watkins (R-Midlothian), would allow local governments to enact ordinances to prohibit the operation of a dirtbike or ATV within 500 feet of any dwelling. However, the Watkins bill would require local ordinances to exempt “the vehicle operator’s dwelling or any other dwelling where the occupant has given permission for the operation of such vehicleâ€. Local ordinances would also exempt farming and forestry related operation. [View Senate Bill Click Here] AMA/ATVA Analysis The AMA/ATVA is not opposed to the reasonable regulation of off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. In fact, the Association has developed model ordinance language as a guide for local governments. However, this type of legislation should be developed at the local level. An overly broad state level prohibition is unnecessary and unfair. Furthermore, the Association believes that any law which simply establishes arbitrary no ride zones to be discriminatory toward OHV enthusiasts and private property owners. How to Take Action Write to your Virginia State House delegate in opposition to HB 3073 and your Virginia State Senate senator in opposition to SB 1398. The Rapid Response feature of AMADirectLink.com will help you identify your elected officials. A prewritten response is also available for your use on the website. You can also write to the chairmen of the legislative committees currently considering these bills. Regarding HB 3073, write to Del. David B. Albo, Chairman of the House Courts of Justice Committee, State Capitol Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218. Regarding SB 1398, write to Sen. Frederick M. Quayle, Chairman of the Senate Local Government Committee, Box 396, Richmond, VA 23218. You can review the text of both bills on the AMA™s website. Compiled by: Royce Wood, Legislative Affairs Specialist
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