Abate of Texas April, 2024

Coordinator

Rick Boland director@texasabate.com

Asst. Coordinator

Terri Davison asstcoordinator@texasabate.com

Treasurer

LeaAnn Bettis treasurer@texasabate.com

Secretary

Robin Warfield Membership Officer

Rober Crowdis membership@texasabate.com

Newsletter Editor

Rina Gutierrez news@texasabate.com

Legislative Officer

Robin Warfield Products Officer

Shelly Taylor

BOARD of DIRECTORS

ARLINGTON Chapter

Doni Evans Arlington@texasabate.com

TEXOMA Chapter

Mark Thomson texoma@texasabate.com

LAKE CITIES Chapter Donna Aquilar Guyton

HEART of TEXAS Chapter TBD

hot@texasabate.com

INDEPENDENT CHAPTER

Joe R. Morris independent@texasabate.com

State & Chapter Meeting Details

(Click underlined text for links)

STATE

www.texasabate.com

www.facebook.com/groups/texasabate

April 6th 1:00 PM

American Legion Post 81

418 East Redbird Lane

Duncanville Tx 75116

ARLINGTON

www.arlingtonabate.com

www.facebook.com/arlingtonabate

3RD SUNDAY

12 NOON

VFW Post 6111

1200 West Harris Street Arlington, TX 76001

HEART OF TEXAS (HOT)

4TH SATURDAY 11 AM

American Legion Post 573 225 Cox Drive

Harker Heights, TX 76548

LAKE CITIES

www.facebook.com/lake-cities-abate-2021454543498728107

2ND SUNDAY 1 PM

VFW Post 10460

501 Thompson Drive

Lake Dallas, TX 75065

TEXOMA

www.facebook.com/texomaabate

3RD SUNDAY 1 PM

Sherman ELK’s Lodge 2280 1313 FM 1417

Sherman, TX 75090

The mission statement of Texas ABATE Confederation is to

mote and defend motorcyclist’s freedom, safety and awareness through education and legislation to make Texas the best place to ride.

All articles and photo’s within the contents of this newsletter and our website are the property of

Texas ABATE Confederation

You may not use them without the express written consent of the newsletter editor, webmaster or the association board.

Texas ABATE Confederation encourages all members to submit letters, articles or cartoons they feel may be of interest to fellow members. Texas ABATE Confederation supports the rights of ALL motorcyclists, Texas ABATE Confederation does not endorse any products or services other than its own.

The thoughts and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas ABATE Confederation board and it’s members.

MRF & IMA Meet In Daytona

On Wednesday during Bike Week in Daytona Beach, FL. representatives of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council (IMA), with members of the motorcycling media present, met with an important group of involved motorcycle shop owners, parts distributors, dealers, bike builders, and non-OEM parts manufacturers from the motorcycle aftermarket industry.

In the third meeting between these groups the agenda was to share updates on the MRF’s relevant legislative initiatives to combat threats to the aftermarket industry. Topics included Right to Repair/Right to Modify, Preservation of Internal Combustion Engines, strategies to limit the close collaboration and detrimental impacts that the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) continue to force on this industry, and the concerns around a continued ability to simply remain in business.

MRF President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, also discussed the economic impacts to small business and this industry in particular as highlighted in the Vaughn Study the MRF Commissioned during the EPA’s “Color and Chrome” only campaigns. The draconian concepts of Vehicle End of Life Directives, recent rhetoric around making it illegal to repair vehicles over 15 years old, and most recently a plan to ban chroming beyond 2024 were also hot topics.

The IMA spoke about the costly and extremely arduous process to certify aftermarket parts, an inability to submit multiple components together, a lack of clarity or availability of the standards to meet for certification. There was a consensus that the history and heritage of motorcycling demands transparency around these standards so innovators can work to meet them. There was also frustration around the fact that a well-tuned and well-built motorcycle could get better fuel mileage and produce less emissions is either being ignored or not recognized by bureaucrats bent on regulating this industry out of existence.

IMA Chair, Bob Kay, then brought up what was on everyone’s minds at the meeting. What is going to happen with requirements to sign waivers certifying race use only to have access to performance parts, potentially providing VIN numbers on bikes with parts installed, or a check the box program to acknowledge the end use of parts. This is seen as a method to transfer liability to small shop owners that would legally put them at significant risk and the IMA does not recommend doing this without checking with an attorney.

Bob Kay went on to say in his closing statement, “The IMA is happening and will be there along with the MRF to protect the right to repair and modify motorcycles for independent shops in the aftermarket industry.”

Chris Callen of Cycle Source Magazine had this to say while encouraging anyone with an interest in the motorcycle aftermarket industry to join the IMA, “The animated conquest for freedom requires many small and sustained efforts over time to be successful.”

The time is now to join the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council and get involved in saving the motorcycle aftermarket industry and end users from extinction.

2025 STATE OFFICE OPENINGS

Calling all ABATE Members- it is time to demonstrate your dedication and passion in fighting for motorcyclists’ rights by stepping up and volunteering to hold one of the open officer’s positions at Texas ABATE. Below are the Executive & Administrative officer positions open: NOMINATIONS JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024

Assistant Coordinator (Executive Office)

Treasurer (Executive Office)

Membership (Administrative Office)

Newsletter (Administrative Office)

Remember, State positions are 2-year terms. For more detailed information regarding the duties of these offices see pages 12-14 of (The) Texas ABATE Confederation Bylaws.

Thanks,

Terri Davison

Assistant Coordinator…...Texas ABATE Confederation

What Is The Chevron Deference Why Does It Matter

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could upend the current regulatory framework in Washington, D.C. The current case is questioning a 40-year-old precedent that impacts all three branches of the federal government.

A 1984 court case involving Chevron and the National Resources Defense Council created a legal principle known as Chevron deference. Chevron deference compels federal courts to defer to a federal agency's interpretation of an ambiguous or unclear statute that Congress delegated to the agency to administer. In other words, they give executive agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wide latitude to shape policy on issues that Congress has not explicitly mandated, and the court system is limited in stopping them.

Chevron deference has been used in more than 19,000 cases

- Center for American Progress

Why does this matter to bikers? In recent years we have observed officials at the EPA and NHTSA use the regulatory process to achieve policy goals that impact us. One obvious case is the use of rulemaking to make the internal combustion engine (ICE) extinct. The EPA, through emission standards, and NHTSA, through fuel efficiency benchmarks, have tried to shape transportation policy that favors electric vehicles over those powered by fossil fuels. In this case, the House of Representatives has attempted to push back on this overreach by passing legislation to block the proposed rules. However, the immense and growing power of unelected bureaucrats remains a threat.

The system of checks and balances that the Founding Fathers established must be preserved. Limiting which court cases can be heard and deferring to the decisions of the Executive Branch allows the agency to be the ultimate decision maker. This policy could dramatically alter the action away from the original intent and circumvent congressional control. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation will monitor this case and await the Supreme Court ruling. This decision could have a lasting impact on how we fight for our priorities as motorcyclists.

You can obtain the latest up to date information regarding our Texas ABATE Legislative Issues at the following Facebook page...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/texasabate

JoeR.Morris

Independant Rep & Board Member

Texas ABATE Membership

As you know, membership is one of the key ingredients to sustaining Texas ABATE and without our members we would cease to exist. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of membership is: 1) the state or status of being a member; 2) or the body of members.ABATE members are not only a state, status, or body of numbers; we are Texas constituents, voices and votes.

Help increase our Texas ABATE membership by signing up and sponsoring new members to join our organization. Use the recipe below to encourage individuals to join.

S – Sustainability...Assist in the growth of Texas ABATE membership

U –Understanding...Knowledge of what Texas ABATE stands for and our mission

C – Communications ...Maintain open communications

C – Cooperation...Cooperation is vital to achieving ideals and goals

E - Education...Promote compliance with the laws of Texas public roads & highways

S – Safety...Promote safety of both motorcyclists and motorists

S – SUCCESS...ACHIEVE favorable and desired outcome(s)

Rober Crowdis Membership Officer

!! Illinois Fighting Helmet Bill !!

Stay Vigilant!

Regarding motorcycle safety equipment, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has long advocated that the government should “Let Those Who Ride Decide.” That is why recent news out of Illinois should make all bikers take notice.

Anew bill, HB5620, would require all motorcyclists riding in the state to wear helmets. Illinois is one of thirty-three (33) states that allow some level of choice in the use of motorcycle helmets. In fact, Illinois, along with Iowa and New Hampshire, is one of only three (3) states that do not have a law regarding the use of motorcycle helmets. While states like Missouri and Nebraska have moved to allow more options for riders, this proposed plan in Illinois would be a step backward for those who believe in freedom of choice.

ABATE of Illinois is a powerful and effective organization for riders in the Land of Lincoln. They have engaged state lawmakers and are pushing back against this proposed legislation. But it should be a warning to all state motorcyclist rights organizations that if they can try it in Illinois, they can try it anywhere. Illinois has a long and proud tradition of allowing those who ride to decide what they wear. The MRF applauds their vigilance, and we will help them however we can. There will be a committee hearing on Wednesday, March 6th, regarding HB5620. To learn more about the battle in Illinois and help ABATE of Illinois with their coming efforts, go to ABATE of Illinois, IncStop Helmet Bills (abate-il.org).

Now more than ever, ride safe and ride free!

To initiate , endorse and sponsor educational programs such as rider safety, public awareness, legislative and affirmative action and, individual freedoms and rights.

2)… To create and promote a positive public image of motorcyclists and motorcycle groups and to dispel and disprove media hype, unfounded propaganda and the “Hollywood” image.

3)… To encourage goodwill and mutual understanding among motorcyclists, law enforcement personnel and the general public.

4)… To serve as an information source on matters pertaining to current laws, pending legislation, personal rights, political inclinations of elected officials and their constituents, and voter awareness.

5)… To act as a central responsive agency to devise and coordinate recreational, legislative, educational, and charitable activities

NOTE: All dates are subject to be changed/postponed/cancelled. Please reach out to the organization regarding their event.

EMBROIDERED TEXAS ABATE CAPS

“Support Your Local ABATE”

BLACK Maroon Red Gray Blue Pink $ 15.00

HOW TO ORDER:

BY MAIL:

Embroidered Texas ABATE Caps THIS is the only "lid" you'll need! Sport 'em at rally’s, biker events. . .or anytime you're out in public. They come in a variety of colors, and in either plain or "distressed" design

PRINT THE PAGE—SELECT MERCH

Mail Check or Money Order (payable to Texas ABATE Confederation), along with Order Form & your contact information to:

Shelly Taylor, Texas ABATE Products 903.624.9258

shellbelle1012@yahoo.com

QUESTIONS/PHONE ORDER:

*TEXT: 903.624.9258

*Include your name & any questions

*NOTE: Limited color/styles/sizes

TEXAS ABATE Generic T-SHIRT

“Support Your Local ABATE”

Generic "Support Your Local ABATE" Shirts Come in SOLID (Black, Red or Blue) Colors or in a variety of Tye-Dye Designs (A, B, C) These shirts have the Texas ABATE Logo on the front, and "Support Your Local ABATE" with the State Website URL on the back. Wear it with pride!!! What a GREAT way to encourage Freedom Fighters who want to fight for the rights of Texas Bikers!!!

TEXAS ABATE Generic TYE-DYE SHIRT

“Support Your Local ABATE”

Embroidered ABATE Beanie Great for those "cool" bikers; medium-weight beanies; limited quantity / special orders for 5 or more.

3" PATCH - 25th Annual Texas ABATE State Rally This is a real "treasure" for the patch collector.

Limited quantity available.

5" Texas ABATE Membership Patch Need a new member patch to display on your Jacket or Vest?

These patches are available for ACTIVE TEXAS ABATE

MEMBERS ONLY. Must present your Membership ID when ordering

“Support Your Local ABATE”

5” MEMBERS ONLY

3” Patch

TEXAS ABATE CONFEDERATION

P.O. BOX 416……..Lake Dallas , TX 75065

Name:____________________________________________ County:

Phone:__________________________________Email:

Add: (Name for Couple membership)_______________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________________________

City:____________________________________State:____________________Zip:

Registered TEXAS Voter? YES NO TEXAS State District #’s: SEN __________ REP __________

Is This A New Membership? YES NO

Sponsors Name __________________________ Sponsors Member Number:

Do you prefer to be a Chapter member? YES Which Chapter ? ________________________ NO I would like to be an independent member

CHECK or MONEY ORDER (NO CASH) Payable to: TEXAS ABATE CONFEDERATION

MAIL TO