On 1-26-2009 in post entitled Florida increased penalties-$1000 for death of a motorcyclist-bogus
We expressed our opinion, based on the fine structure that we felt this was not sufficient.
Based on one of the comments left by our readers we rethought our position and contacted Senators Garcias office and spoke to one poor aide who was having to answer God knows how many phones at one time. So we do appreciate his cooperation and time.
As we were afraid of, Senator Garcia is working on this bill with ABATE president and lobbyist James Reichenbach whom we all know has compromised us under the bus on more than one occasion. Remember HB137 and SB 1992?
What we learned is what we were afraid off. That the language of the bill is not set in stone and is being worked on. Example would be leaving mandatory jail time up to the discretion of the Judge. History indicates that such actions are not working, to many who injure or kill motorcyclist, bicyclist and pedestrians are getting off with 100+ fines and a slap on the wrist due to judges discretion.
We offered our support and efforts to seek support for this bill as it stands. What we did discuss to make this bill more palatable was to add language covering pedestrians and bicyclists, as they are as vulnerable if not more vulnerable than we are. In fact were the language extended to include all motorist who are injured or killed by another vehicle operated this bill could be more palatable yet.
We also stated that we could not support any bill with loopholes allowing judges to diminishes the penalties and would advocate against such.
If the live of yourself and your loved ones have meaning as they venture out onto the killing fields known as Floridas roadways you can help. Contact your local representatives and contact Senator Garcias office here:
District Office:
7475 West Fourth Avenue
Hialeah, FL 33014-4327
(305) 364-3191
Senate VOIP: 44000
FAX (888) 284-8594
Legislative Assistants:
David Marin, Susie Martin and Ana Pereira
Tallahassee Office:
414 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
(850) 487-5106
Senate VOIP: 5106
Email:
garcia.rudy.web@
flsenate.gov
TELL THE SENATOR YOU OPPOSE THE WATERING DOWN OF THIS BILL.
REMEMBERREMAINING SILENT MEANS YOU WILL NOT BE HEARD BY YOUR GOVERNMENTAdd to Technorati Favorites
Florida Bills of interest to Motorcyclists
| SB 212 | Electronic Wireless Communications Use/Driving [CPSC] - General Bill by Baker - Last Event: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 12/17/08 S Referred to Transportation; Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations | |||
| HB 261 | Use of an Electronic Wireless Communications Device While Driving - General Bill by Legg - Last Event: Thursday, January 08, 2009 - Filed | |||
| HB 377 | Use of an Electronic Wireless Communications Device While Driving - General Bill by Holder - Last Event: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Filed |
SB 968 Motorcycles/Injuries or Death to Riders [SPSC]
- General Bill by Garcia
- Last Event: Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 02/05/09 S Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; Rules
Not finalized. Talk of leaving jail time up to judges discretion. Suggested Adding pedestrians and bicyclists to language. ABATE of Florida Lobbyist Doc Reichenbach working with senator on this bill.
Wilson
| SB 172 - Heather's Law/Cellular Telephone Use in Vehicles [CPSC] | |||||||||||
|
Bullard
| SB 112 - Cell Phone Use/Operating Vehicles in School Zones [CPSC] | |||||||||||||||
By Senator Bullard
39-00224-09 2009112__
A bill to be entitled1
An act relating to cellular telephone use; creating s. 2
316.305, F.S.; prohibiting the use of a cellular 3
telephone while operating a motor vehicle in a school 4
zone; providing an enhanced penalty; providing an 5
effective date.6
7
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:8
9
Section 1. Section 316.305, Florida Statutes, is created to 10
read:11
316.305Use of cellular telephones in school zones; 12
enhanced penalties.—13
(1)A person may not operate a cellular telephone while 14
driving a motor vehicle in a school zone in this state.15
(2)A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic 16
infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in 17
chapter 318, except that the violator shall pay a fine that is 18
double the amount provided in chapter 318 for a nonmoving 19
violation.20
Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2009.21
Messages left with all sponsors this date.Add to Technorati Favorites
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