National Safety Council recomends Nationwide ban on cell phones

National Safety Council Calls for Nationwide
Ban on Cell Phone Use While Driving

Bold Plan Seeks to Involve Law Makers, Businesses and Public

Itasca, Ill. – The National Safety Council today is calling on motorists to stop using cell phones and messaging devices while driving, and is urging businesses to enact policies prohibiting it and governors and legislators in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to pass laws banning the behavior.

“Studies show that driving while talking on a cell phone is extremely dangerous and puts drivers at a four times greater risk of a crash,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the NSC. “Driving drunk is also dangerous and against the law. When our friends have been drinking, we take the car keys away. It’s time to take the cell phone away.”

A study from the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis estimates that cell phone use while driving contributes to 6 percent of crashes, which equates to 636,000 crashes, 330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries and 2,600 deaths each year. The study also put the annual financial toll of cell phone-related crashes at $43 billion.

Talking on a cell phone may be less distracting than some other activities people may engage in while driving, but the use of cell phones and texting devices is much more pervasive, making it more dangerous overall, Froetscher said. The NSC also points to studies from researchers at the University of Utah that show that hands-free devices do not make cell phone calls while driving safe. Another study demonstrates that talking to passengers, as opposed to talking on a cell phone, actually makes adult drivers safer, because passengers help alert drivers to potential driving risks.

“When you’re on a call, even if both hands are on the wheel, your head is in the call, and not on your driving,” Froetscher said. “Unlike the passenger sitting next to you, the person on the other end of the call is oblivious to your driving conditions. The passenger provides another pair of eyes on the road.”

A significant amount of vehicular cell phone use is done on the job. Many businesses have already acknowledged the injuries and costs associated with this behavior by adopting policies that ban cell phone use by employees on the roads. Among NSC member businesses that responded to a survey, 45 percent said they have company policies prohibiting on-road cell phone use. Of those, 85 percent said the policies make no difference in business productivity.

“Anyone with a busy job knows the temptation to multi-task and stay in touch with the office while driving,” Froetscher said. “Believe me, I’ve been there. I didn’t realize how much risk I was taking. Most people don’t. Employers understand how dangerous the behavior is and their potential liability. We are asking all businesses to join us by adopting policies banning calling and texting while driving on the job.”

Froetscher is sending letters this week to all governors and state legislative leaders, encouraging them to adopt statewide bans. She acknowledged that achieving and enforcing bans in all states will be a challenge, but she said the NSC has successfully faced similar challenges in the past, such as seatbelt enforcement.

“It may be hard for some people to imagine how certain laws, such as those concerning drunk driving, teen driving, seatbelt use and booster seats, can be enforced by observation alone,” Froetscher said. “Smart people in law enforcement get together to address such issues. They develop creative and successful measures to identify violators, such as high-visibility enforcement strategies.”

The NSC will take a three-fold approach to leading change: advocating legislation; educating the public and businesses about the risk of cell phone use while driving; and supplementing distracted driving content in its training of 1.5 million people annually in defensive driving.

“The change we are looking for, to stop cell phone use while driving, won’t happen overnight. There will be a day, however, when we look back and wonder how we could have been so reckless with our cell phones and texting devices,” Froetscher said.

A fact sheet, data resources and other information concerning cell phone use while driving are available on the NSC website, at distracteddriving.nsc.org

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the road, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

For Immediate Release,
January 12, 2009

Media Contact:
Meredith Morris
(630)775-2307
Related Links

* NSC Distracted DrivingAdd to Technorati Favorites

SUMMARY and Related Florida BIlls trying to take Motorcycle Safety money

House 5003: Relating to Special Appropriations Implementing Bill ------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?Mode=Bills&Submenu=1&BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Billnum=5003&Year=2009AH5003-A GENERAL BILL by Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic
Development; Rivera (Compare H 5001-A, H 5007-A, 1ST ENG/H 5101-A,
H 5103-A, S 0002-A, S 0004-A, CS/S 0040-A, S 0054-A, S 0056-A, S 0058-A,
S 0060-A, S 0062-A, S 0064-A)
Special Appropriations Implementing Bill; Provides legislative intent;
reenacts provisions relating to source & use of certain trust funds in
order to implement transfer of moneys to General Revenue Fund from trust
funds in 2008-2009 Special Appropriations Act; revises uses of certain
motorcycle & moped license tax fees; transfers moneys from State
Transportation Trust Fund to General Revenue Fund, etc. EFFECTIVE DATE:
Upon becoming law.
01/07/09 HOUSE Filed; Introduced, referred to Calendar -HJ 00013
01/08/09 HOUSE Placed on Special Order Calendar; Read 2nd time -HJ 00019
01/09/09 HOUSE Read 3rd time -HJ 00025; Temporarily postponed on 3rd
reading; On Unfinished Business -HJ 00025; Laid on Table
-HJ 00051

Laid on table may mean this one is dead for right now. But remember HB137

House 5007: Relating to Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

H5007-A  GENERAL BILL by Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations
  (CEED); Glorioso  (Compare H 5003-A, CS/S 0040-A)
  Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; Terminates DUI Programs
  Coordination Trust Fund; revises allowed uses of proceeds in Highway
  Safety Operating Trust Fund from fee paid upon registration of
  motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped; revises provisions for funding
  of certain driver improvement programs; eliminates requirements for
  motorcycle safety education course reimbursements, etc.  EFFECTIVE DATE:
  Upon becoming law.
  01/06/09 HOUSE  Filed; Introduced, referred to Full Appropriations Council on
                  Education & Economic Development -HJ 00010
  01/07/09 HOUSE  On Council agenda-- Full Appropriations Council on Education
                  & Economic Development, 01/07/09, 3:00 pm, Morris Hall;
                  Favorable by- Full Appropriations Council on Education &
                  Economic Development; YEAS  21  NAYS  0 -HJ 00014; Placed on
                  Calendar -HJ 00014
  01/08/09 HOUSE  Placed on Special Order Calendar; Read 2nd time -HJ 00021
  01/09/09 HOUSE  Read 3rd time -HJ 00026; Temporarily postponed on 3rd
                  reading; On Unfinished Business -HJ 00026; Substituted CS/SB
                  40-A; Laid on Table, refer to CS/SB 40-A -HJ 00046

Laid on table But note the words refer to CS/SB 40-a

LAST ACTION ON 40-A

01/09/09 SENATE Placed on Special Order Calendar; Read 2nd time -SJ 00046;
                  Read 3rd time -SJ 00046; CS passed; YEAS  40  NAYS  0
                  -SJ 00046; Requests House concur or failing to concur appoint
                  conference cmte -SJ 00047; Conference Committee appointed:
                  Senators Alexander, Chair; Deutch, Vice-Chair; Altman &
                  Pruitt, At Large; Criminal & Civil Justice: Crist, Chair;
                  Wilson, Jones, Joyner, Villalobos; Education Pre-K - 12:
                  Wise, Chair; Siplin, Bennett, Bullard, Detert, Garcia,
                  Richter; General Government: Baker, Chair; Lawson, Aronberg,
                  Dean, Oelrich; Health & Human Services: Peaden, Chair; Rich,
                  Gaetz, Haridopolos, Sobel; Higher Education: Lynn, Chair;
                  Gelber, Constantine, Deutch, King; Transportation & Economic
                  Development: Fasano, Chair; Hill, Diaz de la Portilla,
                  Dockery, Gardiner, Smith, Storms -SJ 00055
  01/09/09 HOUSE  In Messages; Received, referred to Calendar -HJ 00045; Read
                  2nd time -HJ 00045; Amendment(s) adopted -HJ 00045; Read 3rd
                  time -HJ 00046; Substituted for HB 5007-A -HJ 00046; CS
                  passed as amended; YEAS  105  NAYS  8 -HJ 00047; Requested
                  Senate to concur with bills as amended or failing, House
                  agrees to conference -HJ 00051; Conference Committee
                  appointed: Galvano, Cannon, Llorente, Rivera, Cretul, Hasner,
                  Bogdanoff, Lopez-Cantera, Randolph, Gibson, Brandenburg,
                  Thurston, Coley, Saunders, Culp, Flores, Glorioso, Murzin,
                  Weatherford, Heller, Kiar, Bush, Legg, Fresen, Stargel,
                  Bullard, Clarke-Reed, McKeel, Brise, Horner, Kelly,
                  Weinstein, G Thompson, Proctor, Precourt, Burgin, O'Toole,
                  Patterson, Reed, D Taylor, Evers, Rehwinkle Vasilinda,
                  Carroll, Drake, Hukill, Ray, Schenck, Gibson, Abruzzo,
                  Steinberg, Frishe, Skidmore, Adams, Ambler, Domino, Hays,
                  Homan, Patronis, Planas, Poppell, Robaina, Zapata, Braynon,
                  Rogers, Garcia, Rouson, N Thompson, Eisnaugle, Planas,
                  Snyder, Soto, P Taylor,;  Hooper, Ford, McBurney, Nelson,
                  Williams, Grimsley, Kreegel, Renuart, Jones, Anderson, Jenne,
                  Adkins, Hudson, Nehr, Pafford, Aubuchon, Thurston, Bovo, K
                  Roberson, Van Zant, Rader, T Williams, Boyd, Crisafulli,
                  Mayfield, Plakon, Bembry, Chestnut -HJ 00051
  01/09/09 SENATE In returning messages

NOTE IT IS STILL ALIVEAdd to Technorati Favorites 

Goldirons perspective on Floridas proposed theft of motorcycle safety funding

Due to the number of documents we have been uploading today relating to the Florida legislatures planned theft of motorcycle safety money this site may load slowly:


 All during these last number of posts I have been passing documents back and forth between Mike Greenwald of GoldIron.   I have been doing so to get some feedback re my interpretation of  the documents.  So as not to mislead any that might read what we are posting.  In his words:

Florida residents and visitors,
In reading, the latest versions, of S40A and all of the amendments, you will reach the conclusion that the wording is the bait and switch of any flim-flam artist. Florida government is a con game. Florida will tell you that they have to collect a tax for a noble cause and, then in subsequent legislation, use it for whatever they damned well please.

The monies for motorcyclist safety and education, gone.  The special fees/tax for DUI education or rehabilitation, gone.

The money shuffle does not end there.

Now, they come forth with civil fines.  What this means is this.  If they do not receive or claim not to receive your fees and fine money, they will get a civil judgement against your property.  In effect, the FLorida government will be able to seize your car, motorcycle, boat, or house to satisfy the judgment.Add to Technorati Favorites

The operative words demonstrating Florida motorcycle safety money is up for grabs

The operative words taken from the most recent Senate analysis

Note the word "OR", in other words the money meant to be used soley for motorcycle safety can now be used for, "OR" anything else.

IF you live in Florida best get passing this on.Add to Technorati Favorites

Important re FLorida Motorcycle safety money ripoff- We could be D-day

We are posting this stuff faster than we can digest it. All help is needed in reading and digesting these documents. Mike Greenwald is helping to translate some of the stuff I do not understand.

It is possible that Wed. morning maybe the last chance to stop any of this if it not already to late. We will keep posting as we learn more.Add to Technorati Favorites

Florida Senate Version related to house Biker rip off

Most recent committee Amendment as referenced in posts below Bill Number Cs for SB40a:

Senate actions on Bill
http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Mode=Bills&ElementID=JumpToBox&SubMenu=1&Year=2009A&billnum=40

Senate 0040: Relating to Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles [WPSC]

S40-A    GENERAL BILL/CS by Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations; Fasano (Compare H 5003-A, H 5007-A) Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles [WPSC]; Increases the fine imposed for failing to pay a civil traffic penalty within the period specified. Requires that the additional revenue be deposited into the General Revenue Fund. Prohibits the use of a portion of that amount in establishing the budget of the clerk of the court. Requires that certain fees collected from motor vehicle registration and registration renewal be deposited into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/01/2009 or upon becoming a law, whichever occurs later. 01/05/09 SENATE Filed; Introduced, referred to Transportation and Economic                   Development Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on                   Ways and Means -SJ 00003 01/06/09 SENATE On Committee agenda-- Transportation and Economic Development                   Appropriations, 01/07/09, 9:30 am, 301-S 01/07/09 SENATE CS by Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations;                   YEAS 7 NAYS 0 -SJ 00037; CS read 1st time on 01/08/09                   -SJ 00039; Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) -                   (Committee Substitute); Now in Policy & Steering Committee on                   Ways and Means -SJ 00037; On Committee agenda-- Policy &                   Steering Committee on Ways and Means, 01/08/09, 8:30 am,                   412-K --Temporarily postponed 01/08/09 SENATE On Committee agenda-- Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and                   Means, 01/08/09, 2:00 pm, 412-K; Favorable by- Policy &                   Steering Committee on Ways and Means; YEAS 21 NAYS 0                   -SJ 00037; Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading -SJ 00037 01/09/09 SENATE Placed on Special Order Calendar; Read 2nd time -SJ 00046;                   Read 3rd time -SJ 00046; CS passed; YEAS 40 NAYS 0                   -SJ 00046; Requests House concur or failing to concur appoint                   conference cmte -SJ 00047; Conference Committee appointed:                   Senators Alexander, Chair; Deutch, Vice-Chair; Altman &                   Pruitt, At Large; Criminal & Civil Justice: Crist, Chair;                   Wilson, Jones, Joyner, Villalobos; Education Pre-K - 12:                   Wise, Chair; Siplin, Bennett, Bullard, Detert, Garcia,                   Richter; General Government: Baker, Chair; Lawson, Aronberg,                   Dean, Oelrich; Health & Human Services: Peaden, Chair; Rich,                   Gaetz, Haridopolos, Sobel; Higher Education: Lynn, Chair;                   Gelber, Constantine, Deutch, King; Transportation & Economic                   Development: Fasano, Chair; Hill, Diaz de la Portilla,                   Dockery, Gardiner, Smith, Storms -SJ 00055 01/09/09 HOUSE In Messages; Received, referred to Calendar -HJ 00045; Read                   2nd time -HJ 00045; Amendment(s) adopted -HJ 00045; Read 3rd                   time -HJ 00046; Substituted for HB 5007-A -HJ 00046; CS                   passed as amended; YEAS 105 NAYS 8 -HJ 00047; Requested                   Senate to concur with bills as amended or failing, House                   agrees to conference -HJ 00051; Conference Committee                   appointed: Galvano, Cannon, Llorente, Rivera, Cretul, Hasner,                   Bogdanoff, Lopez-Cantera, Randolph, Gibson, Brandenburg,                   Thurston, Coley, Saunders, Culp, Flores, Glorioso, Murzin,                   Weatherford, Heller, Kiar, Bush, Legg, Fresen, Stargel,                   Bullard, Clarke-Reed, McKeel, Brise, Horner, Kelly,                   Weinstein, G Thompson, Proctor, Precourt, Burgin, O'Toole,                   Patterson, Reed, D Taylor, Evers, Rehwinkle Vasilinda,                   Carroll, Drake, Hukill, Ray, Schenck, Gibson, Abruzzo,                   Steinberg, Frishe, Skidmore, Adams, Ambler, Domino, Hays,                   Homan, Patronis, Planas, Poppell, Robaina, Zapata, Braynon,                   Rogers, Garcia, Rouson, N Thompson, Eisnaugle, Planas,                   Snyder, Soto, P Taylor,; Hooper, Ford, McBurney, Nelson,                   Williams, Grimsley, Kreegel, Renuart, Jones, Anderson, Jenne,                   Adkins, Hudson, Nehr, Pafford, Aubuchon, Thurston, Bovo, K                   Roberson, Van Zant, Rader, T Williams, Boyd, Crisafulli,                   Mayfield, Plakon, Bembry, Chestnut -HJ 00051 01/09/09 SENATE In returning messages

Bills

Version: Posted: Format: S 0040A 01/05/2009 PDF S 0040AC1 01/07/2009 PDF

Proposed Committee Substitutes

Version: Barcode: Posted: Committee Actions: Format: s 0040A 875440 PDF

Committee Amendments

Version: Amendment: Published/Filed: Committee Actions: Format: S 0040Ac1 455964 01/11/2009 No Senate Committee Action PDF S 0040Ac1 831761 01/09/2009 No Senate Committee Action PDF

Floor Amendments

Version: Amendment: Published/Filed: Floor Actions: Format: S 0040Ac1 455964 Filed 01/11/2009 No Senate Action PDF S 0040Ac1 831761 Filed 01/09/2009 No Senate Action PDF

Bill Analyses

Analysis: Committee: Posted: Format: s 0040A-pcs Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations 01/06/2009 PDF s 0040A Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations 01/07/2009 PDF s 0040A Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means 01/08/2009 PDF

Vote History - Committee

Chamber: Committee: Format: Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations PDF Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means PDF

Vote History - Floor

NO VOTE HISTORY AVAILABLE

Citations - Statute

0318.18 0320.06 0320.08 0320.0805 0320.08056 0322.025Add to Technorati Favorites

Florida: From the senate side of ripping of Motorcyclists????

This Document raises many questions:

Florida Senate bill# CS for SB 40A can be downloaded from
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=40048&SessionId=63
In PDF form

Excerpts

Screen shot 1

Screen shot 2

Note what has been scratched out in the above screen shot

Screen shot 3

Again note what has been deleted

 Screen shot 4 and 5 go together






For some reason screen shot 5 won't load so I will have to type it in as feed back is needed to understand what exactly 4 and 5 mean:

129-144
exceed $20 per student. This fee must be refunded if the student completes the course. However andy student who registers for, and does not complete, the course must forfiet his or her registration fee. Forfeited fees may be retained by the organization that conducts the course.

6. The department may adoptt rules to implement this action .

7 On or after January 1, 1989, every first time applicant for a motorcycle........ we know the rest of this paragraph.

Section 8 This act shall take effect Feb 1, 2009 or upon becoming law whichever comes first.Add to Technorati Favorites

WHERE IS ABATE OF FLORIDA on FLorida BIkers getting ripped off????

As of this date there is no information on ABATE of Florida's Website alerting anybody to these issues!!!!Add to Technorati Favorites

Florida Legislators Ripping of Motorcyclists 5007A-original filed version and staff anaylsis

Can be found here
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=40111&SessionId=63

They are in PDF form

From staff anaylsis click image for better view

Add to Technorati Favorites

FLorida legislature to steal Safety Money HB5007A Heres the bill

And here is the bill the previous are posts are referencing: (emphasis ours)
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=40111&SessionId=63
HB 5007A - Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

GENERAL BILL by Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee and Glorioso

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Terminates DUI Programs Coordination Trust Fund; revises allowed uses of proceeds in Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund from fee paid upon registration of motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped; revises provisions for funding of certain driver improvement programs; eliminates requirements for motorcycle safety education course reimbursements; revises requirements for distribution & use of certain proceeds from persons enrolled in DUI programs; directs such proceeds to be deposited into Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund.

Effective Date: upon becoming a law
Last Event: Laid on Table, refer to CS/SB 40A on Friday, January 09, 2009 4:24 PM
Recommending committee actions by:
Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee
On agenda for: 01/06/09 8:00 AM Notice
Favorable (final action) See Votes
Referred Committees and Committee Actions:
- Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development
On agenda for: 01/07/09 3:00 PM Notice
Favorable (final action) See Votes
Related Bills:

Bill # Subject Relationship
HB 5003A Special Appropriations Implementing Bill Compare
CS/SB 40A Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles [WPSC] Compare
Bill Text:

Original Filed Version
PCB Text
Staff Analysis:

Chamber Committee
House Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development 1/7/2009 6:57:49 PM
House Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development 1/6/2009 11:41:12 PM
House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee 1/6/2009 3:40:06 PM
Vote History:

(no votes recorded)
Bill History:

Event Time Member Committee
Laid on Table, refer to CS/SB 40A Friday, January 09, 2009 4:24 PM
Substituted CS/SB 40A Friday, January 09, 2009 4:24 PM
Temporarily postponed on 3rd reading; On Unfinished Business Friday, January 09, 2009 2:36 PM
Read 3rd time Friday, January 09, 2009 2:35 PM
Added to Third Reading Calendar Thursday, January 08, 2009 6:23 PM
Read 2nd time Thursday, January 08, 2009 5:55 PM
Bill added to Special Order Calendar (1/8/2009) Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:12 PM
Added to Second Reading Calendar Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:58 PM
Bill released to House Calendar Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:58 PM
Reported out of Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:58 PM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development

Favorable by Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:00 PM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development
Added to Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development agenda Wednesday, January 07, 2009 1:33 AM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development

1st Reading Tuesday, January 06, 2009 6:16 PM

Now in Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development Tuesday, January 06, 2009 5:14 PM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development

Referred to Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development Tuesday, January 06, 2009 5:14 PM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development
Filed Tuesday, January 06, 2009 3:20 PM Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee

Statutes Referenced by this Bill
17.61
215.20
320.08
322.025
322.0255
322.293Add to Technorati Favorites

FLorida legislature to steal Safety Money HB5007A Heres the bill

And here is the bill the previous are posts are referencing: (emphasis ours)
HB 5007A - Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

GENERAL BILL by Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee and Glorioso

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Terminates DUI Programs Coordination Trust Fund; revises allowed uses of proceeds in Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund from fee paid upon registration of motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped; revises provisions for funding of certain driver improvement programs; eliminates requirements for motorcycle safety education course reimbursements; revises requirements for distribution & use of certain proceeds from persons enrolled in DUI programs; directs such proceeds to be deposited into Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund.

Effective Date: upon becoming a law
Last Event: Laid on Table, refer to CS/SB 40A on Friday, January 09, 2009 4:24 PM
Recommending committee actions by:
Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee
On agenda for: 01/06/09 8:00 AM Notice
Favorable (final action) See Votes
Referred Committees and Committee Actions:
- Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development
On agenda for: 01/07/09 3:00 PM Notice
Favorable (final action) See Votes
Related Bills:

Bill # Subject Relationship
HB 5003A Special Appropriations Implementing Bill Compare
CS/SB 40A Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles [WPSC] Compare
Bill Text:

Original Filed Version
PCB Text
Staff Analysis:

Chamber Committee
House Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development 1/7/2009 6:57:49 PM
House Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development 1/6/2009 11:41:12 PM
House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee 1/6/2009 3:40:06 PM
Vote History:

(no votes recorded)
Bill History:

Event Time Member Committee
Laid on Table, refer to CS/SB 40A Friday, January 09, 2009 4:24 PM
Substituted CS/SB 40A Friday, January 09, 2009 4:24 PM
Temporarily postponed on 3rd reading; On Unfinished Business Friday, January 09, 2009 2:36 PM
Read 3rd time Friday, January 09, 2009 2:35 PM
Added to Third Reading Calendar Thursday, January 08, 2009 6:23 PM
Read 2nd time Thursday, January 08, 2009 5:55 PM
Bill added to Special Order Calendar (1/8/2009) Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:12 PM
Added to Second Reading Calendar Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:58 PM
Bill released to House Calendar Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:58 PM
Reported out of Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:58 PM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development

Favorable by Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:00 PM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development
Added to Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development agenda Wednesday, January 07, 2009 1:33 AM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development

1st Reading Tuesday, January 06, 2009 6:16 PM

Now in Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development Tuesday, January 06, 2009 5:14 PM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development

Referred to Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development Tuesday, January 06, 2009 5:14 PM Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development
Filed Tuesday, January 06, 2009 3:20 PM Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee

Statutes Referenced by this Bill
17.61
215.20
320.08
322.025
322.0255
322.293

POst From Rogue re the post below: Florida Biker to get screwed BIg TIme

FLORIDA MOTORCYCLIST TO GET SCREWED AGAIN

The Florida Legislature is in session and working on a budget that includes diverting funds, some of which clearly state that they can not be used for other purposes.

During the 2008 session of the legislature the fee for motorcycle licenses were increased saying that the money would be used for education. My self and others were against this because no one had explained how the money previously collected was being used and why an increase was needed.

Now there is a bill before the legislature FL HB 5007A: Proposes Changes: Motorcycle License Taxes: Florida Motorcycle Safety Program.



Current Situation: Currently, s. 320.08(1)(c), F.S., provides that for each motorcycle registered in Florida, a $2.50 motorcycle safety education fee is collected and deposited into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund. These funds are used EXCLUSIVELY to fund motorcycle driver improvement programs implemented pursuant to s. 322.025, F.S., or the Florida Motorcycle Safety Education Program. This program was established in 1989 to provide motorcycle safety courses in Florida



PROPOSED CHANGES: The bill amends s. 320.08, F.S., to allow the $2.50 education fee to fund motorcycle driver improvement program and the general operations of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This bill also amends s. 322.0255, F.S. to eliminate certain potential reimbursements from the Department to motorcycle course providers.



That means they are taking the money and Not Putting It Back! I also suspect that the motorcycle rider courses will look to raise their fee for their courses because of this and since in 2008 the Florida Legislature made it mandatory to take one of their courses motorcyclist will be screwed again.

Traffic fines will increase across the board by $10 and speeding fines will increase by $25. New reports from the Federal Government say that speed is only a small factor in crashes. One thing for sure though it is a money maker for the cities and state and is expected to raise $15 million this year and $60 million next year in Florida, a move that will spare the state courts system more cuts.

The Florida Legislators gave themselves a raise, free health care and party at the expense of taxpayers.

Governor Charlie Crist charged $430,000 for a trip to Europe in 2008 taking more than two dozen state employees, a photographer, and nine bodyguards.

The list goes on and on how legislators spend taxpayer money while wanting the citizens to continue to give up benefits and services. If they want to balance the budget they should start by setting an example by stopping waste in government.

Hopefully the motorcycle riders of Florida will say: Enough Is Enough. Start by contacting your legislator and telling them - To Vote No! on FL HB 5007A

That money is collected to promote motorcycle safety and should not be used for any other purpose.

ROGUE
Rogue

Sturgis Freedom Fighters

Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
 www.bikerrogue.comAdd to Technorati Favorites

florida bikers screwed again; Florida Legislature robbing safety monies

Thanks to Mike Greenwald of Goldiron who did an exhaustive search in answer to Rogues questions: Are out motorcycle safety monies at risk this year do to the current legislatures slash and burn policy.

Following is data Mike has been able to find:

Attached: FL HB 5007A Summary Analysis of Bill

A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES: Motorcycle License Taxes; Florida Motorcycle Safety Education Program

Current Situation Currently, s. 320.08(1)(c), F.S., provides that for each motorcycle registered in Florida, a $2.50 motorcycle safety education fee is collected and deposited into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund. These funds are used exclusively to fund motorcycle driver improvement programs implemented pursuant to s. 322.025, F.S., or the Florida Motorcycle Safety Education Program. This program was established in 1989 to provide motorcycle safety courses in Florida.

Proposed Changes The bill amends s. 320.08, F.S., and 322.025, F.S., to allow the $2.50 education fee to fund motorcycle driver improvement program and the general operations of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The bill also amends s. 322.0255, F.S., to eliminate certain potential reimbursements from the Department to motorcycle course providers.

http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/safety.html

General Reports

Revenue Report FY 2000-2008

[each year is a separate PDF]

FY July 2007–June 2008

Motorcycle Safety Education

State Revenue: $1,669,207.50

Total: $1,669,207.50

FY July 2006–June 2007

Motorcycle Safety Education

State Revenue: $1,516,345.00

Total: $1,516,345.00

FY July 2005–June 2006

Motorcycle Safety Education

State Revenue: $1,433,232.50

Total: $1,433,232.50

FY July 2004–June 2005

Motorcycle Safety Education

State Revenue: $1,254,595.00

Total: $1,254,595.00

FY July 2003–June 2004

Motorcycle Safety Education

State Revenue: $1,123,210.00

Total: $1,123,210.00

FY July 2002–June 2003

Motorcycle Safety Education

State Revenue: $95,675.00

Total: $95,675.00

FY July 2001–June 2002

Motorcycle Safety Education

State Revenue: $820,152.50

Total: $820,152.50

FY July 2000–June 2001

Motorcycle Safety Education

FY 00/01 State Revenue: $811,365.40

FY 99/00 State Revenue: $676,366.17

FY July 1999–June 2000

Motorcycle Safety Education

FY 99/00 State Revenue: $678,366.17

FY 98/99 State Revenue: $630,825.70

---------------------------------------------

NOTES:

http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/FactsFiguresFY2006/GenRevCol.htm

General Revenue Collections

MC not separate

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http://www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/2007SunsetReport.pdf

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Agency Report to the Sunset Advisory Committee

January 2007

Page 26:

Motorcycle Safety Education Fees

FY 2004-05 Actual Cash Receipts: 1,241,160

FY 2005-06 Actual Cash Receipts: 1,427,653

FY 2006-07 Estimated Cash Receipts: 1,470,483

Page 32:

Program: Florida Highway Patrol

Budget Entity 7610010

The following are grants awarded to the department from DOT and the US Department of Justice.  If the FHP was abolished and assuming the same federal monies are available, these amounts would still come into the state; however, they would be awarded to other agencies or entities.  Other agencies would have to establish policies and procedures meeting federal requirements to ensure grant funding continues.  Policy development by various local agencies could result in a mixture of policies that conflict or fail to meet federal requirements.

MC only:

Statewide Motorcycle Safety Public Information-$159,294.81

Grant from NHTSA through DOT

Motorcycle Safety Training Program - $75,206.60

Grant from NHTSA through DOT

-------------------------------------------

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https://apps.fldfs.com/fsaa/searchCatalogResultsDetail.aspx?id=34023

CSFA State Fiscal Year 2008-2009

CSFA Number:

 76.091

State Project Title:

Motorcycle School Reimbursements 

Agency:

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Program:

Licenses/Titles/Regulations 76250000 

Budget Entity:

76250500

Specific Appropriation:

NA

Appropriation Category:

030000

Related CFDA Code:

Authorization:

Chapter 322.0255, Florida Statutes

Objectives:

To educate the public on skills needed to safely operate motorcycles.

Types Of Assistance:

Other

Applicant Type:

Non-Profit

Restrictions:

1)  Sponsor Schools receiving reimbursements must be under contract and abide by

 all requirements.

2)  Rider Coaches teaching students (for whom the Sponsor Schools receive

 reimbursement) must be certified.  To be certified RiderCoaches must meet

 various criteria and training.

3)  Sponsor Schools must submit the required accurately completed paperwork in the

 time requirement specified in the contract.

Procedures:

Pre-Application Notice:

If they want to become a Sponsor School, they can go to

www.motorcycle.hsmv.state.fl.us under the Main Menu and select

"So You Want to Become a Sponsor", make a copy, and then follow

all the instructions and meet the criteria presented.

Application Procedures:

Sponsors must meet the criteria of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation 

and the Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP).  Requirements are detailed

 on the above FRTP website "So You Want to be a Sponsor". 

Award Procedures:

Once a contract and purchase request have been submitted and approved the

Department issues a Direct Order (purchase order) to each sponsor based on

an estimated number of students.

Deadlines:

Renewal of annual contracts and direct orders are issued to current sponsors

based on fiscal year from July 1st of the current year through June 30th on the

following year.  Once the new fiscal year begins, new contracts/direct orders may

be awarded to persons/entities who meet the criteria to become a new sponsor.

However, the term of the contract/direct order is dependent upon the time of the

year they apply and are approved (e.g. apply in September, terms runs from

September through June 30th of the following year.  The Department is funded

to reimburse motorcycle sponsors up to$ 452,500 each fiscal year.

Other:

n/a

Information Contact:

Fran Kneeland

Administrative Secretary 

Florida Rider Training Program

2900 Apalachee Parkway, Rm. B214, MS 85, Tallahassee, FL

(850) 617-2528 SUNCOM  217-2528

Web Address:

kneeland.frances@hsmv.state.fl.us

Associated Subjects:

www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0320/Sec08.HTM
320.08  License taxes.--Except as otherwise provided herein, there are hereby levied and imposed annual license taxes for the operation of motor vehicles, mopeds, motorized bicycles as defined in s. 316.003(2), and mobile homes, as defined in s. 320.01, which shall be paid to and collected by the department or its agent upon the registration or renewal of registration of the following:
(1)  MOTORCYCLES AND MOPEDS.--
(a)  Any motorcycle: $10 flat.
(b)  Any moped: $5 flat.
(c)  Upon registration of any motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped there shall be paid in addition to the license taxes specified in this subsection a nonrefundable motorcycle safety education fee in the amount of $2.50. The proceeds of such additional fee shall be deposited in the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund and be used exclusively to fund a motorcycle driver improvement program implemented pursuant to s. 322.025 or the Florida Motorcycle Safety Education Program established in s. 322.0255.Add to Technorati Favorites