The 2009 Washington State Legislative session started this week and Senator Ken Jacobsen from North Seattle has introduced the first two anti-ORV bills.

You may recall Jacobsen as one of the co-sponsors of SB5544, the bill that would have banned all ORV sound.


SB5128 is similar to last year’s SB6301.

Along with a lot of other junk, this draconian piece of legislation would send you to jail if you “damage vegetation”.   Your bike would be forfeited based solely on probable cause.

Additional neat changes would also include allowing state agencies to take our ORV tab and gas funds to repair damage caused by “off road vehicles” even if the agency does not allow any ORV use on the land they manage.  This money would come off the top before any ORV trail or facility funding would be granted to anyone.

http://apps.leg.wa.g... Bills/5128.pdf



SB5129 is not as bad, but its just dumb.
It would require you to attach a 4 x 7 inch license plate on your bike.


http://apps.leg.wa.g... Bills/5129.pdf

These bills have not been assigned to a committee yet.
When that happens we will need to let the committee members know what we think of this legislation.

sigh...here we go again. Where are the dealerships anyway?

This kind of stuff will just keep spreading across the country.

Rascal560 said:

Rascal,

Liking the new avatar better than the proposed legislation.

Just sent my Representatives my thoughts on these lame bills.  
Here is the link so you can also send your thoughts to your own representative. http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate

tod701 said:

As I read that, that is a PERMIT... separate from and in addition to, our tabs and registration ???? It's a proposed $18 PERMIT... not a tax but a PERMIT.

Am I wrong?

shrubitup said:

making Llama proud!..........oh know....more nightmares!

Sent an e-mail to my senator regarding 5128.  Thanks for the heads up.

Innovative avatar, for a non slip seat in the PNW mud just attach some velcro to the  seat.  LOL

This plate thing for trail bikes has passed in other states, I know ID and AZ have new plat requirements for dirt bikes to operate on state public land as of 1/1/9.  The greenies are herding us into tighter circles at the state and national level.  This has been a continuing assault for decades and their persistance is really reaping dividends.  Until we all get organized and serious about the threat we will continue to lose riding areas.  

Why can't we use their play book to defend our right to ride?

ahhh yes, the ANNUAL defense of our lands has commenced! Fire it up boys!

Joe

chuck4788 said:

I think the key word there is 'defend' as in 'on the defensive', I was always taught 'The best defense is a good offense'. But how do you go on the offensive against groups that have nothing to lose?

I think that if the collective off road / MX communities all came together we would be an overwelming force to contend with.....but "as is" it seems to be fragmented groups within each region that do their best to voice their opinions and be heard.

Just think if every person who owned an off road bike, MX bike, ATV, UTV, and even a Mtn Bike joined BRC and a local club...................

obrianmcc said:

That is exactly why the Washington Off Highway Vehicle Alliance was formed a couple of years ago.

http://www.wohva.org

How does fixing a big-a*s plate to my machine help anybody?  I'm still trying to understand that.

Slackkinhard said:

Simple concept:

some Senators don't like you + you don't like the big plate = they like it.

I guess its time to send more letters...
Edit- who to send them to- Senators?  Representatives?  District Legislators?  All of the above?

cowboyona426 said:

1. The Senators on the applicable committee.
(that will be assigned later today)

2. Your State Senator

3. Both of your State Representatives.

Sounds like the state of WA.  We have a female governor, 2 females in the Senate, and...200,000 more registered female voters.  Given the long known statistic of women per capita vote more often than men...might also explain why there are more single mom's in this state than any other state in the USA.  

Have ya seen Team America?

http://www.imdb.com/...t0372588/quotes

There is a reason why dicks gotta be in charge.  "-)

How's that for fuzzy logic?  Prolly get all kinds of bad gas for this one

SB5128 was just assigned to the Senate Natural Resourses, Ocean and Recreation Committee.

Here are the members and their email addys:

Ken Jacobsen (chairman) =  Jacobsen.ken@leg.wa.gov,
Kevin Ranker  = ranker.kevin@leg.wa.gov,
Bob Morton = morton_bo@leg.wa.gov,
Karen Fraser = fraser.karen@leg.wa.gov,
Jim Hargrove = hargrove.jim@leg.wa.gov,
Brian Hatfield = hatfield.brian@leg.wa.gov,
Val Stevens = stevens_va@leg.wa.gov,
Dan Swecker = Swecker.dan@leg.wa.gov,


Let them know what you think.

tod701 said:

Well, I'm stuck at work...so I'm gonna get paid to provide my $.02...give me something to do while I grumble...Thank you Tod