California Motorcycle Muffler Bill Passes Committee

SB-435, the bill by Sen. Pavely that originally would have brought smog checks to motorcycles in the Golden State, has since been amended into a bill that would require that the all bikes manufactured after 2011 have the EPA stamp on the mufflers match the sticker on the motorcycle. If the motorcycle does not have a muffler with this matching stamp, it would make a new crime punishable by a $50-100 fine on the first offense and $100-250 for subsequent offenses. Motorcycles that do not bear these marks, built after 2011 may very well be outlawed completely.

Today, June 28, the bill was heard in the Assembly Transportation Committee. The bill faced stiff opposition from the motorcycling community, and a sea of leather clad bikers gathered for the hearing. The bill’s author claimed she had support from the motorcycle industry, but no industry witnesses stepped forward to speak in favor. 

James Lombardo, lobbyist for ABATE of California expressed ABATE’s neutral position on the bill. Nicholas Haris of the American Motorcyclist Association rose in strong opposition. John Paliwoda of the Southern California Motorcycle Dealers Association also spoke in opposition, as did about ten private citizens. When Chair Bonnie Lowenthal asked if there were any other speakers in opposition, the gallery erupted with “Everyone here! 

A vote was taken, two committee members voted in favor, four opposed, the bill was put “on call,” and Pavely asked how many more votes she needed, the chair replied “four.” This is a ploy to get all of the opposition out of the room, and give the bill’s author time to get on the phone and drum up additional votes. It will then return to the committee for an ‘executive’ session, and will get voted on. It sounds like there will be a closed door vote later today. Stand by.

UPDATE: As predicted, the bill passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee  by a vote of 8-4 and is headed to the appropriations committee.