Colorado Mandatory Seat Belt Bill

Yuk! Got an e-mail forwarded from Dave Christy. I need to get a hold of my state representative and complain about this one. His e-mail:

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Tomorrow, March 1st, represents the 49th legislative day of Colorado's Session. 71 days remain in a normal session of 120.

The following specific bill represents a Freedom Of Choice threat NOW, with implications for the future:

House Bill 05-1138 is a Primary Offense Seat Belt bill that was passed by the House Transportation Committee on Feb. 3; at that point it was sent to the Appropriations Committee due to the substantial fiscal note accompanying it. Some slick "re-adjustment" of that substantial fiscal note as per the initial January 29 document has been changed to a "ZERO" fiscal note as of February 24! Obviously this manuever is designed to keep the bill alive, as now it appears it will be headed to the House floor for a full vote (2nd & 3rd readings.) As of right now the bill is not on the calendar for a second reading.

If you are opposed to being stopped and ticketed by police for simply not wearing your seat belt, and then being subject to any other questioning by police, then concerned motorcyclists and other interested motorists are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to contact your state representative (not senator) NOW, by letter, phone call or fax. State that you are a consitituent and are opposed to this legislation. Relate your concerns (some talking points are provided, below; also there is an attachment to this e-mail that outlines many, many concerns - read it, save it, & feel free to use it to compose your own thoughts). State that you wish to have your representative oppose the bill. By all means ask for a response.

1) This legislation does not prevent accidents or crashes nor does it make better drivers; if I choose to not wear a belt, it harms
no one...
2) There is already a Secondary Offense seat belt use law on the books - this is unacceptable now; an addition to this law
further encroaches upon my right to make personal adult choices.
3) This bill is leveraged by NHTSA "incentive" money and represents a playing field that is not level; policy should be effected
upon the merits of equal discourse and not influenced at any time by federal involvement. To do so is capitulation.
4) Be advised that legislators are heavily lobbied by insurance, law enforcement, and medical people - and they always focus
on the "saving lives" and "cost to society/public burden" aspects (money) - you need to learn to counter this because you
will always have to if you want your liberties and choices intact... You pay into the "system" (Insurance)
5) You are not asking to be "protected"

You have a week or less to influence your legislator; don't know your legislator ? go to www.vote-smart.org

Should this pass the House, you will have to go to work on your state Senator...

Dave Christy
ABATE of Colorado Legislative Affairs Specialist