The bill to modify the all-rider motorcycle helmet law was filed January 19 and assigned bill number HB 143.  This bill will modify the existing Maryland helmet law to apply only to minors.  Adult riders will be able to decide for themselves when it is appropriate to wear a motorcycle helmet while riding.  Additional information about the bill can be found at http://mlis.state.md.us/2000rs/billfile/HB0143.htm
 
The primary sponsor for HB 143 is:
Delegate George W. Owings, III, District 27B  george_owings@house.state.md.us
 
Co-sponsors for HB 143 include:
Delegate Carmen Amedori, District 5 carmen_amedori@house.state.md.us
Delegate Diane DeCarlo, District 6 diane_decarlo@house.state.md.us
Delegate Van T. Mitchell, District 28 van_mitchell@house.state.md.us
Delegate Anthony J. O'Donnell, District 29C anthony_odonnell@house.state.md.us
Delegate James E. Rzepkowski, District 32 james_rzepkowski@house.state.md.us
Delegate Louise V. Snodgrass, District 3 louise_snodgrass@house.state.md.us
 
Please take time to thank the bills sponsors.   
 
HB 143 is assigned to the Commerce and Government Matters committee.  Delegates on this committee will be the first who have the opportunity to vote on this bill.  Contact them now and ask them to VOTE YES ON HB 143.  In addition to contacting committee members, it is important to contact all Delegates as soon as possible.  information about House of Delegates members can be found at http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/hse.html
 
Information about the Commerce and Government Matters committee can be located at http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/02cgm.html
 
Committee members include: 
Delegate Name County Phone Room Voting Information
John Wood (D) (Chair) St. Mary's 3502 141 Previously voted YES and NO.  Refused to break a tie vote 2 years ago.
Maggie McIntosh (D) (Vice-Chair) Baltimore, Baltimore City 3297 141B Vote Unknown
John Arnick (D) Baltimore 3458 426 Previously voted NO
Joanne Benson (D)  Prince George's 3065 204 Vote Unknown
Elizabeth Bobo (D) Howard 3205 209 Previously voted NO
David Brinkley (R) Frederick 3107 323 Previously voted both YES and NO.  May vote YES this time.
William Bronrott (D) Montgomery 3019 221C Previously voted NO
Virginia Clagett (D) Anne Arundel 3211 212 Previously voted NO
Diane DeCarlo (D) Baltimore, Harford 3384 202 HB143 Co-sponsor.  Always voted YES
Michael Dobson (D) Baltimore City 3521 314A Previously voted YES
Cornell Dypski (D) Baltimore, Baltimore City 3303 316 Vote Unknown
Barry Glassman (R) Harford County 3289 326B Vote Unknown
Robert Kittleman (R) Howard County 3401 411 Vote Unknown
James Malone (D)  Baltimore, Howard 3378 306 Vote Unknown
Adrienne Mandel (D)  Montgomery 3045 220 Previously voted NO
Jeffrey Paige (D) Baltimore City 3263 315C Vote Unknown
Joanne Parrott (R) Harford 3289 326C Vote Unknown
B. Daniel Riley (D) Harford 3289 326D Stated that he will vote YES
Christopher Shank (R) Washington 3447 321C Stated that he will probably vote YES
Louise Snodgrass (R) Frederick, Washington 3240 324 HB143 Co-sponsor.  Always voted YES
Theodore Sophocleus (D)  Anne Arundel 3233 214B Vote Unknown
Darren Swain (D) Prince George's 3065 204A Vote Unknown
 
To phone a legislator dial 1 (800) 492-7122 and ask for the extension.  Dial direct using (401) 841-xxxx or (301) 858-xxxx (xxxx is the phone extension listed for each legislator). 
 
To write to a legislator, send mail to:
Lowe House Office Building, Room xxx
84 College Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401 – 1991
Replace xxx with the appropriate room number.
 
ABATE of Maryland will begin Monday Night Lobbying the first Monday of the session which is January 17, 2000.  Visit the ABATE of Maryland office on 8 West Street in Annapolis anytime after 5:30 pm and sign in.  Then proceed to the legislative offices of your Delegates and Senators.