It seems the wagons are being circled As a subscriber to the Biker Republic list I thought Bikers Rights advocates may be interested in or could possibly explain the rational behind an ABATE officer being involved in this type of bill in any manner.
This is what I posted on the BR site:
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r c
hide details 1:53 pm (8 hours ago) reply-to r c
to info@bikerrepublic.org
NOTE THIS WAS NOT MAILED TO FAST FRED
date Oct 11, 2007 1:53 PM
subject [BR Info] More on Re: HB 137 re: confiscation of motorcycles. Very Much alive. Florida ABATE president DOC very much involved
Spoke with Lopez-Cantera aide at Miami office (could not get an answer from tally office). Who reports that Lopez Cantera is working with ABATE of Florida president James D. Reichenbach to have the wording changed on HB137 to address "performing" stunts.
Did somebody "freaking" LIE again? Did not somebody post on this forum that this bill was dead? Who was it Doc? or the representatives aide? Tell us Doc! Phone
305) 442-6877 to Lopez-Cantera Miami office.
Subsequent to speaking w/ Lopez office contacted House infrastructure committee. The bill is alive. If heard by the committee will and passed will go directly to the floor for a vote. IF committee refuses to hear will die. But currently it is alive.
Called Lopez Miami office back and had the following conversation.
Here's the gig:
The bill is aimed specifically at sportbikers. The data they are using is the FHP report I believe that was caused much controversy in Florida nd was pretty much dismissed as being highly inaccurate. That demonstrates that most motorcycle fatalities in FLorida were the result of the motorcyclist error. Using the data compiled by FHP in central FL. (his words I believe were out of 119 deaths 110 were rider error).
They anticipate having a companion bill in the senate by the time the regular session starts. When asked specifically about whether cages that exceeded the speed limit and engaged in reckless driving would be targeted the answer was no.
Asked about the possibility of including dangerous activities performed by other vehicle drivers to the bill the answer was no. It would be to much for one bill. Has no plans to submit any bills addressing such.
Believes the confiscation will be constitutional by use of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture act. Allowing vehicles to be confiscated if used in the commission of a felony. After questioning he acknowledges that the law has only been applied to those fleeing police
Suggested that the activities they were attempting to address were covered constitutionally by other reckless driving statutes. They want something with more teeth.
The bill will combine Stunts and speed. This bill is specifically targeted at Sport bikers.
Admits that they started with extremely stiff sentences knowing they may have to compromises and come down a bit.
The person helping te representative on this bill is the President of ABATE of Florida James D. Reichenbach.
The kicker at this time is to define "stunt riding" (ex. if both wheels are not on the ground it is a stunt...........?)
Used my cell phone in order to have record of date, times and length of these calls.
So much for "educate not legislate" rc
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It was not posted. Instead I received this reply:
from FastFred www.fastfreds.com"
hide details 2:26 pm (8 hours ago)
to r c
date Oct 11, 2007 2:26 PM
subject Re: [BR Info] More on Re: HB 137 re: confiscation of motorcycles. Very Much alive. Florida ABATE president DOC very much involved
Doc is not subscribed to any BR lists. I would suggest emailing or calling him directly if you have any questions for him.
FF
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MY RESPONSE TO FF
r c hide details 10:27 pm (16 minutes ago)
to "FastFred www.fastfreds.com"
date Oct 11, 2007 10:27 PM
subject Re: [BR Info] More on Re: HB 137 re: confiscation of motorcycles. Very Much alive. Florida ABATE president DOC very much involved
mailed-by gmail.com
I was responding to this post To the BR site: that was sent to my mailbox. Doc may not be subscribed to any BR lists but apparently he has people on the list that speak for him. My apologies I did not know this was a moderated or censored list. I have no questions for him. My note was self explanatory and I Was under the impression that bikers rights advocates may be interested in the issues that affect them and the reputation of ABATE. Again my apologies for making such a ridiculous assumption.
"Mailing list information, including unsubscription instructions, is located at the end of this message.)
Hello--
A number of e-mails have been circulating discussing a proposal to confiscate bikes from those convicted of speeding or reckless driving, and requesting readers to contact the sponsoring Legislator. ABATE of Florida was never consulted before these mailings hit the Internet, and never sent out any appeals or Calls to Action. The following communication comes from "Doc" Reichenbach, President of ABATE of Florida and Chairman, NCOM Board of Directors:
As usual people are sticking their nose in our business. I have already talked to the legislator in question and this bill is dead he will try and do something else but this bill is dead. Please post this wherever you got it from and tell them to let Abate of Florida do their job and quit interfering with our work. If they would join Abate of Florida they would know what is happening in this state. We have not asked anyone to call their legislator.
Doc
To support accuracy in what folks are reading, I'm sending this information out from Doc to anyone who might have been following this issue. If anyone has questions, please contact ABATE of Florida directly.
In Freedom,
Tiger Mike
ABATE of Oklahoma
NCOM Board of Directors
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Find it interesting at the outcry over Florida ABATE invovement in legislation to confiscate MC's BU
