South Carolina S 517: ABATE

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 517 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 01, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 517

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE ABATE of South Carolina UPON THE 
OCCASION OF ITS fiftieth ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND abate of south carolina FOR 
ITS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH 
CAROLINA.

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize ABATE of South Carolina as 
it celebrates this important milestone; and

Whereas, in 1965, the 
federal government threatened every state with loss of federal funds if they 
did not pass a law mandating all motorcyclists wear helmets. In 1967, South 
Carolina passed a mandatory helmet law for those operating or riding on a 
two-wheeled motorized vehicle; and

Whereas, in 1975, Jesse 
McDugald, a member of ABATE National, a motorcycle rights organization founded 
by Easyriders Magazine, called the editors of Easyriders and told them that he 
wanted to start a chapter in South Carolina. Thanks to his efforts, ABATE of 
South Carolina was formed that same year; and

Whereas, in 1977, 
McDugald met with David "Easy" Briggs, the president of the Motorcycle Rights 
Association in Charleston. Because of their shared interests, the two decided 
to merge their organizations; and

Whereas, on June 16, 
1980, through the combined efforts of bikers and non-bikers and members and 
non-members of motorcycle rights organizations, ABATE of South Carolina 
successfully lobbied to amend state helmet laws so that adults aged twenty-one 
years or older have the right to choose whether to wear a helmet while riding a 
motorcycle in South Carolina; and

Whereas, ABATE of South 
Carolina has been successful thanks to dedicated, hard-working South 
Carolinians who sacrifice for the promise of our founding fathers to "secure 
the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity." These members live by 
our state moto, "Dum Spiro, Spero," translated as "While I Breathe, I Hope"; 
and

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment of ABATE 
of South Carolina to serving the people and the State of South Carolina. Now, 
therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate ABATE 
of South Carolina upon the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary and commend ABATE 
of South Carolina for its many years of dedicated service to the people and the 
State of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this 
resolution be presented to the members of ABATE of South Carolina.

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