AMA Helps Work for Stability In the Future of California OHV Programs

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Thanks to the AMA for fighting to keep California OHV programs open.

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California Assembly, Senate pass bills to continue, provide stability to OHV program

Two bills now go to governor for signature

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — California legislators passed two bills that extend the state’s nationally renowned off-highway vehicle recreation program and provide more stability for the program’s future.

S.B. 249 extends the operation of the California Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Program indefinitely, eliminating a provision that historically had required periodic reauthorization and making the program permanent within state parks. S.B. 159 provides funding for the program. Without these key pieces of legislation, the program would have ended Dec. 31.

The American Motorcyclist Association was part of a broad coalition that defended the OHV program against opponents who sought its demise. The group worked with legislators for months to rework the originally introduced version of S.B. 249 into an acceptable piece of legislation.

The bills now go to Gov. Jerry Brown, who has until Oct. 15 to sign them into law.

“The California OHV program is a model for the nation,” said AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris. “In its original form, S.B. 249 would have dismantled decades of work and ended the most important parts of this critical program. Our revisions provide quality, sustainable, family-oriented recreation for citizens and visitors, emphasize environmental sustainability and protection and public safety and include partnerships with federal government agencies that provide OHV opportunities.”

The California OHMVR program was created 1971 and signed into law by then Gov. Ronald Reagan. The program operates nine State Vehicular Recreation Areas and provides maintenance grants to many local and federal partner agencies that provide OHV recreation opportunities.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join

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