We can accomplish this by making new laws, and negatively influencing the passage of laws detrimental to us as riders. Although there may be differences in how each state’s governments are managed, the process for passage of laws is still similar. This guide will help direct you through the complicated maze of this legislative process.
Research
– Contact lobbyists from other states who have run similar legislation. Request copies of their language. Identify issues they’ve encountered in their endeavors..
– Research topic online. Identify pros and cons.
– Talk with anyone that might have pertinent information.
– Document reliable information from affected motorcyclists.
Build Your Case
– Decide on your message.
– It is crucial that you speak with a single voice, not a single person’s voice, a collaborative voice.
– Organize items in a logical sequence.
– Specify reason for running the legislation.
– Stress the importance of its passage to the motorcycle community.
Get to know your legislators
– Determine if they, or any of their friends or family, have ever been affected in a negative way by the purpose of your bill.
– Find out if they are riders and what their occupations are.
– Get to know their staff. This is key to your access to them.
Open a Folder (draft of potential bill)
– If you are comfortable preparing a draft of the potential language, present it to a legislator. If not, the legislator’s office will assist in that effort.
– Approach a legislator who will support your bill and follow it through.
– Assure that you are designated to obtain a copy of the folder.
Hold Stakeholder Meetings
– Purpose: Meet and confirm with all affected parties. Try to neutralize any opposition prior to committee hearings.
Possible Stakeholder Meeting Scenarios
– You and the stakeholder agree on the potential bill and its purpose. The stakeholder will be neutral or possibly speak in favor of the bill in committee.
– The stakeholder has some legitimate concerns and you agree to continue to meet and work out the issues, prior to running the bill.
– The stakeholder is against your bill, but you’ve built a substantial case for the issue and you decide to “see them in committee” to argue your point.
– If stakeholder is against your bill, you have identified their concerns and can better formulate your arguments in preparation for committee.
Obtain Intro-set
– Your legislator will have the final draft of the language drawn up after all parties agree. This is known as an “intro-set”.
– The intro-set will have a cover page listing all legislators from both chambers.
– This page is used to obtain additional sponsors/co-sponsors, before bill is introduced.
Obtaining a Bill #
– Intro-set will be dropped/introduced by the legislator and a Bill # assigned to the bill.
– Important to be aware of drop deadline. Dates may be different for each chamber.
– A chamber may have a limited number of bills that members can drop. In most cases, bills dropped prior to their deadline, do not count towards the limit.
Track Bill On Your Legislative Website
– Determine committees to which bill is assigned.
– Determine which order the bill will be heard.
– Determine committee meeting days/times.
– Check committee agenda weekly/daily for your bill’s schedule.
Set Meetings – Lobby, Lobby, Lobby
– Learn proper protocols for meetings and talking to legislators.
– Know your state legislators’ titles. Use their title prior to their name.
– Be respectful at all times.
– Meet with any key committee staff members to review your bill.
– Meet with legislators with whom you have rapport.
– Prior to bill being heard, meet with all legislators on assigned committees.
– Meet with additional legislators to obtain further support for the Floor vote.
– Document results of meetings and key points for further reference.
Going From Chamber to Chamber
– Find out how your chambers are identified. House, Senate, Assembly, etc.
– Learn the processes in all chambers.
– Keep contact with key players and offices.
Reminder:-These are just guidelines and may be adjusted as deemed necessary.
Public Testimony – Be Prepared
– Learn proper protocol when addressing Committee.
– Keep your case short and to the point.
– Provide visual folders if necessary.
– Know your bill’s language. Be ready to answer questions.
– Have the power to approve suggested amendments.
– Have a support group present.
– GOOD LUCK!
… Helpful Hints
– Attend Caucuses and Floor sessions to hear any comments legislators may have on your bill and to familiarize them with your faces.
– Be totally aware of your surroundings when discussing anything. Discretion is important.
– Research bills submitted by your legislators, in case you can support them individually, or more importantly as an organization.
This “Biker’s Guide to Making Law” informational brochure was produced by the NCOM Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF) to provide basic guiding principles of shepherding an idea through the legislative process to become a law, and these guidelines are merely suggestions stemming from decades of personal lobbying experiences by our NCOM-LTF Members.
~Frank Ernst, NCOM-LTF Chairman
