There are a few bills pending in the Virginia General Assembly that may affect motorcyclists.
I'll post a summary cribbed from VCOM here. If you want more details, and VCOM recommendation of support or opposition, visit the VCOM site. http://vcomonline.org/bills-of-interest/
Motorcycle training centers
Bill Number: HB 1476
Amends Virginia Code to relax the rules on the type of motorcycles which may be used in the Virginia Rider Training Program.
Status: passed out of committee with substitute language.
Helmet law applies only to those under the age of 21
Bill Number: HB 2010
Provides that Virginia’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law applies only to those under the age of 21.
Status: recommended to be tabled by subcommittee (in plain language meaning it's unlikely to advance)
Titling and registration of mopeds and distinctive license plates for low-speed vehicles.
Bill Number: HB 1984
The bill provides for the titling and registration of mopeds and distinctive license plates for low-speed vehicles. The bill also requires a moped operator to carry government-issued photo identification and wear a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles if his moped is not equipped with safety glass or a windshield. It also makes sales of all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and mopeds subject to the same taxes as the sale of other motor vehicles and makes mopeds subject to the tangible personal property tax.
The bill also changes motorcycle-operator licensing and would adopt 3 classes: M3, M2 and M. M3 would be restricted to the operation of a 3 wheeled motorcycle and would be issued to those who test on a 3 wheeler or take the trike/sidecar course. M2 would be restricted to operation of 2 wheeled motorcycles and issued to those who test on a 2 wheeled motorcycle or take the basic rider course. M would allow riders to operate either a two wheeled motorcycle or a three wheeled motorcycle. If a rider currently holds an M classification they not be forced to take a new exam or get re-licensed.
Status: passed out of transportation committee
Motorcycle rider training centers; requires motorcycles supplied meet certain criteria.
Bill Number: HB 1865
Requires that motorcycle rider safety training centers provide at least one motorcycle per student that meet the current criteria. That criteria is : (i) an engine displacement of no more than 500 cubic centimeters, (ii) a weight of less than 400 pounds, and (iii) is equipped with a seat whose height will accommodate each novice rider course participant.
Status: subcommittee recommends incorporating with HB 1476 (above)
Cold weather gear that partially covers the face.
Bill Number: HB 1810
Provides that the provisions of the Code section punishing the wearing of a mask by a person older than 16 as a Class 6 felony shall not apply to persons wearing cold weather gear that partially covers the face.
Status: recommended to be tabled by subcommittee (meaning it is unlikely to advance)