Gov. Vetoes Right-to-Race Bill in Wisconsin
A
fter passing in the Wisconsin
State Assembly and Senate,
Gov. Tony Evers (D) vetoed the
bipartisan-supported AB 880,
which aimed to protect existing
motorsports racetracks from
nuisance claims.
The AMA has been an ardent
supporter of Right-to-Race bills,
which have grown in popularity
throughout the country since
last year, and is disappointed in
the recent decision by Gov. Evers
to veto this bill, which would
have helped support the wide
variety of racetracks and more
than 10,000 jobs created by
racetracks across the state.
"As Right-to-Race legislation
has gained popularity through
-
out much of the United States,
this decision from Gov. Evers
comes as a surprise to the
racing community," AMA Direc
-
tor of Government Relations
Nick Haris said. "Gov. Evers has
previously expressed support for
racetracks; his actions regarding
AB 880 reflect the contrary. We
are disappointed in this result,
but we look forward to continu
-
ing to support this form of leg-
islation in several other states
across the country."
Introduced to the Wisconsin
State Assembly on January 16,
AB 880 passed both chambers
of Wisconsin's legislature with
little opposition, moving through
the Senate on March 17. The
bill was brought to Gov. Evers'
desk on April 2, and the governor
vetoed the bill.
Racetracks play a vital role in
Wisconsin's economy, notably
among small businesses, says
the AMA. According to the Spe
-
cialty Equipment Market Asso-
ciation (SEMA) and Performance
Racing Industry (PRI), with which
the AMA has worked closely on
the growing tide of Right-to-Race
legislation, racetracks through
-
out the state generate $2.46
billion in total economic impact
and support 10,601 jobs.
Without the protections
provided by AB 880, established
racetracks in Wisconsin could
face nuisance claims from
adjacent property owners, even
if they were in operation before
surrounding property develop
-
ment.
Despite this setback, the
AMA says it remains commit-
ted to supporting Right-to-Race
legislation, with active bills in
Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina,
Georgia and more. For more
information regarding Right-to-
Race, remain engaged with the
AMA's government relations
efforts at americanmotorcyclist.
com/rights.
CN
WIND
IN THE
P34
In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony
Evers (D) vetoed the
bipartisan-supported
AB 880, which aimed
to protect existing
motorsports racetracks
from nuisance claims.
PHOTO: JEFF KARDAS
