Having been told by the Senate Transportation Committee Chair’s Aide that SB928/McDougle Three Foot Passing and Following Too Closely would be on this afternoon’s docket, I got there and learned from her that the Chairman (Senator Miller from Norfolk) had directed that the bill not be listed for today, but for next Thursday, 2/3, at the request of some of her constituents from Norfolk who intend to be present and speak to the bill, but could not be present today.
After initially not being happy at being given the run around, it may not work out too badly, since listing it this late in the session may enable it to go directly to the House Transportation Committee (should it pass the Senate) without going through Sub Committee 2, where we seem to be wearing out our welcome.
Another benefit was that I was able to leave early without staying for the entire annual slugfest (SB1191/Norment) that was in process in Senate Transportation between the Auto Dealers Assn. and the Auto Manufacturers Assn. Each year the Auto Dealers bring forward a lengthy bill to correct “discriminatory and coercive practices” they say that the Manufacturers require of the Dealers in order to keep their franchises. Top lobbyists and lawyers for each side go back and forth with what seem to be most of the auto dealers in the state present in the audience. Its a good lesson in how the system works, and a chance to watch the first string pros in action, but can get a bit lengthy and tedious.
Early this morning, a subcommittee of the House Militia, Police, and Public Safety Committee (a notoriously tough place to have a bill heard) heard and tabled (killed) two bills I was following:
HB1404/A.T. Howell Banning use of Handheld Personal Communications Devices while operating certain vehicles (including bicycles)
and HB1764/Crockett-Stark Requiring the riders and passengers of mopeds to wear helmets
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