How a bill becomes a law. Research Paper

Nurses are influential members of the community and the political system. Therefore, for the purposes of this assignment you will identify a problem or concern in your community, organization, etc. that has the capacity to be legislated. You will conduct research and state a proposal. Through the legislative process, your proposal for the problem or concern may influence an idea for change into a law.

First, refer to the “How a Bill Becomes a Law” media.

Then, view the “Bill to Law Process” to watch the scenario.

After viewing the scenario, refer to the “Legislative Assignment.” You will need to save the document first in order to use it.

Please research the use of helmets for people who are driving scooters or mopeds. Nevada current law states:

Motorcyclists and passengers In Nevada are required to wear helmets that meet standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The only exception is for mopeds 50 cc or under, with less than 2 horsepower and capable of no more than 30 mph.

Las Vegas has had a large number of scooter accidents with too many deaths and serious injuries to those not wearing a helmet. Helmets should be required.

Legislative Worksheet (SBAR Format) –

How a Bill Becomes a Law

SITUATION: IS THIS SOMETHING THAN CAN BE LEGISLATED?

• Identify the problem/concern:  The issue is that though the Nevada state requires motorcyclists and passengers to wear helmets as set by the United States Department of Transportation, the law exempts mopeds 50 cc or under, with less than 2 horsepower and capable of no more than 30 mph. There many scooter accidents that result to serious injuries and deaths to those who do not wear helmets.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
• State your proposal/idea.  All motorcyclists, without any exception, should use helmets while cycling in order to reduce accidents arising from the lack of helmets. There is need for scooter and moped operators to use helmets in order to reduce the health risks arising from accidents.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
  
  

BACKGROUND: DO YOUR RESEARCH

• Include studies, reports, personal experience, or anecdotal stories related to your proposal.            The issue of whether helmets are worth, useful, or effective has raised great debate. Though some people feel that they belong to a libertarian society that should not respect their autonomy and choices as to whether they need to wear helmets or not, there are many studies indicating that helmets have health benefits. Scooter or moped accidents can result to head injuries, which may cause serious long-term mental and physical disabilities. Research shows that helmet laws increase the rate of helmet wearing. Other studies show that in states where cycling is safe, the introduction of helmets may lead to negative health impacts. However, in states where cycling is not safe, the use of helmets reduces negative health impacts of accidents. Thus, the use of helmets by scooter and moped operators in state such as Nevada where cycling is not safe may reap immense health benefits.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
• Has there been similar legislation introduced and/or passed in other states? If so, include it.          In Virginia, beginning July 1, 2014, all moped operators will be required to wear helmets and eye protection. The Virginia state legislators have seen the need to protect moped operators from the grave injuries and costs sustained as a result of falling from mopeds while not having a helmet. Since many people were resorting to the use of mopeds due to their availability and affordability, the state legislators felt that it was prudent to enact helmet laws so as to reduce health risks arising from moped accidents. Other states that have enacted helmet laws for mopeds or scooters include Michigan, Maryland, Louisiana, the District of Columbia, California, and many others.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
   

ASSESSMENT: FINANCES AND STAKEHOLDERS

• Identify financial impact if any (e.g., added costs, cost savings, increased revenue): Helmet laws generally economize the use public resources. The hospital costs for injuries arising from unhelmeted accidents are higher compared to the costs of operating scooters or mopeds with helmets. California, for instance, incurred $40 in the insurance program for treatment of motorbike related head injuries. But after enactment of helmet laws, the figure dropped to $24.        Though it costs nothing to ride with a helmet, it is clear that wearing a helmet saves a lot in case a crush occurs.                                                                                                                                       
• Identify stakeholder groups that would support this bill:       Various groups would support this bill. The American Motorcycle Association would be interested in this bill because the bill is in line with the organization’s interests of promoting the lifestyles of motorcyclists. Health organizations will also support the bill because they understand the health benefits arising from the use of helmets.  Other stakeholders include the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. The general public should also support the bill because the helmets are intended for their own economic and health benefits.                                                                                                                                                                                        
• Identify people/groups that would oppose this bill:   The people who would oppose this bill include those who hold beliefs that wearing helmets is harmful to their traditional or religious beliefs. Cyclists’ representative groups would also oppose this bill because they believe that other issues that lead to dangers on the road include bicycle maintenance, roadcraft, and training.                                                                                                                                                                                                   
  
  

RECOMMENDATION

• Make an appointment with your legislator to discuss your proposal. I would like to meet you on May 1, 2014 in order to discuss this proposal.