2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 17:282 — Motorcycle safety, awareness, and operator training program

§282.  Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program

A.  The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state Department of Education shall establish and operate a Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program, hereinafter referred to as the "program", on a statewide basis.  The program shall consist of motorcycle operator training and campaigns to promote participation, motorcycle safety, and motorcycle awareness.  For the purposes of this Section, the word "motorcycle" shall have the meaning assigned by 32:401(10).  

B.  The purposes of the program shall be to:

(1)  Educate motorcycle operators in the safe operation of motorcycles.  

(2)  Provide for the certification of motorcycle operator education and training instructors and the training of law enforcement personnel in the proper operation of motorcycles.  

(3)  Develop campaigns to promote participation in the program, motorcycle safety, and motorcycle awareness.  

C.  Participation in the program shall be voluntary for any person who meets the qualifications of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to apply for a motorcycle operator's endorsement.  Those persons who satisfactorily complete the program shall receive a motorcycle operator's endorsement without an operator's skill test by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.  

D.  The Department of Education shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 49:950 et seq. as are necessary and proper to provide for the conduct and operation of the program.  Oversight review of the rules and regulations shall be conducted by the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works.  

E.  The state superintendent of education is hereby authorized to purchase for cash, or by lease/purchase agreement, all the necessary equipment, training aids, devices, and all related materials required to conduct and operate the program with funds appropriated for those purposes.

F.  The state superintendent of education shall include the program as a line item expenditure in his annual budget.  

G.  Subject to the approval of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the state Department of Education may levy and collect a per person charge of not more than twenty-five dollars to participate in the program; however, no such charge shall be applicable to any commissioned law enforcement officer within the state.  

Acts 1987, No. 351, §2, eff. July 6, 1987; Acts 1993, No. 86, §1, eff. May 26, 1993.