Friday, January 22, 2010
SENATE HEARING AFTER ACTION REPORT (AAR)
Current status of the proposed Wisconsin legislation.
This past Wed, the public hearing was held before the Senate Transportation Committee at the state capitol in Madison. Public comment was heard on two bills SB 392 by Senator Erpenbach and SB 404, by Senator Hansen.
The Hansen bill 404 is the companion bill with assembly bill AB 592 (Dec 2009) that was developed with input from the Wisconsin MVPA membership and Historic Military Vehicle Owners clubs. The bill was drafted after collectors met with the DOT to determine the states concerns and objections to licensing HMV’s. The DOT primarily objects to the unrestricted use of the broad category of “former military vehicles” with includes large and small vehicles and wheeled armor.
The Hansen/Zigmunt bill would create a change in current state law that would create a definition and category for Historic Military Vehicles. The bill was drafted to overcome a potential state ban being enforced by current law thru the DOT and would allow owners of former military vehicles to use their vehicles as historic objects in parades, public displays, club and other organized events. And could be driven for maintenance (exercising the vehicle). The bill also eliminated the 20 year age requirement for former US built military vehicles which simplified the registration process and would allow titling and registration of vehicles purchased from the government without a “Date of Manufacture”. It also would create a new “Historic Military Vehicle” license plate for former military vehicles.
The Erpenbach bill 392 was developed on behalf of the smaller group of owners of Ex Swiss Pinzgauer trucks who had been targeted by the DOT since 2007. The Pinz owners advocate for unrestricted use as regular transportation. The bill seeks to create a change to the existing state collector vehicle license rules that would define former Military Vehicles as a special interest type and allow there unlimited use under the collector law. It would eliminate the current collector plate restriction to limit cargo to no more than 500 Lbs. The only restriction would be no use during the month of January as in the current collector law.
Both bill’s create a category for former military vehicles with some restriction. Both bill’s have bi-partisan support.
The hearing was attended by about 20 HMV owners. Four spoke, including myself, all in favor of both bill’s. Only the attorney for the DOT/DMV spoke against. And his testimony apposing the Erpenbach bill was so strong that the chairman and other senators on the committee formally apologized to the veterans and vehicle owners present. The chair also indicated his concern that the state DOT was acting like a playground bully over the issue.
The DOT testimony to the Hansen bill SB 404 was less harsh and they acknowledged the efforts of the HMV collectors to cooperate in addressing the safety concerns the state had raised.
In our testimony we asked for amendment to both bills. Eliminating the 25 year age requirement from the Erpenbach bill and changing the wording of the Hansen bill to allow in addition to parades and events, HMV owners to use there vehicles for “private recreational use”. They would still be prevented from using HMV’s as daily transportation.
Some of the Pinz owners suggested in testimony that a two tiered solution could be created to allow the smaller vehicles more use. Several numbers were stated, including vehicle weight limits of 10 or 15,000 Lbs. We are opposing this proposal because it would complicate the registration requirements and unfairly favors owners of smaller vehicles.
We are working with the senate and assembly committee members to remove the language from both bill’s requiring “military markings” and simply keeping a former military vehicle as manufactured as a special interest vehicle. This was an objection heard from collectors as too vague and an unneeded requirement.
In each case, legislation to allow some type of use of former military vehicles in Wisconsin, will likely move to a floor vote. This would have to come before the end of the legislative session this spring or the process starts all over in fall.
Several directions are now possible,
1) The two bills may be modified and amended based on public input from the hearings. Then merged into a single bill,
2) The committee could choose to allow one and block the other.
3) The committee could allow two bills to be sent to the floor for a vote.
Since there are similar bills in both the assembly and the senate, any differences would have to be reconciled for final approval before reaching the governors office. And the Governor can always veto any bill that reaches his desk.
All Military Vehicle owners need to continue to contact their Wisconsin state legislators and ask them to support one of the bills. This is fast moving (for legislation) and needs your action as soon as you can. Call them, write to them or e mail them but tell them which bill you want.
Thanks
Jeff Rowsam
Friday, January 22, 2010
Jan 20 MVPA and HMV Owners Testimony For Bill SB 404
Testimony – Senate Committee Hearing Jan 20, 2010
Jeff Rowsam
Spokesperson representing
Military Vehicle Preservation Association and
Wisconsin Historic Military Vehicle owners
Historic Military Vehicle Collectors wish to submit testimony in favor of registration of former military vehicles:
1) Prefer to support SB 392 with amendment.
2) Will support SB 404 with amendment.
Good Morning,
My name is Jeff Rowsam
I live at 5432 South County Hwy P, Town of New Denmark in Brown County, Wisconsin
I’m speaking today as a historic military vehicle owner and as spokes person on behalf of the individual members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) and the Historic Military Vehicle owners groups in Wisconsin.
Our members include The Midwest Military Vehicle Association (MMVA) from Southern WI, MV collectors of the Fox Valley and North East Wisconsin, the Antigo Area MV owners, The Chippewa Valley Military Preservation Association, LLC (CVMPA) and the Red Arrow Chapter of the MVPA from Northwestern Wisconsin. These groups represent some 600 owners statewide with over 1500 Historic Military Vehicles (HMV’s). The MVPA represents nearly 10,000 members in North America.
Former military vehicles are known for their heavy duty construction and have been sold as surplus equipment by the US and other governments since the 1920’s. Weekly sales continue today. Individuals, municipalities, the DNR, county highway departments, farmers, loggers and utility contractors have a long history of safely and successfully operating former military vehicles in commercial and private on-highway service.
Over the past 20 years, as popularity of WWII history re-emerged, interest by individual preservationists to own and restore these vehicles has evolved and reached the point were it is now a well developed “old car hobby”. The purchase and restoration of these vehicles for historic preservation, public displays, car shows and recreational driving is very active throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe and Australia.
Restored Jeeps and other all wheel drive trucks have been regularly driven to public events such as parades on patriotic holidays, club activities, events honoring our military veterans, and historic displays for schools and the general public. As collector vehicles, our owners also display their vehicles at car shows and enjoy occasional local drives as a form of recreation.
While fewer and fewer former military vehicles are operated in daily commercial service, Historic Military Vehicles (HMV’s) from WWII and Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War and from Operation Desert Storm now have special interest and increasingly are being purchased and restored to their original historic configuration.
In 2007, owners and collectors in Wisconsin saw an increasing number of applications for titles and registration of HMV’s being rejected by the Wisconsin DMV and the DOT. The DMV has been inconsistent. Some registration applications were approved. Others were not. The rejection of applications for models that had been licensed and operated for many years previously has left vehicle owners confused and frustrated.
The Department of Transportation states they are receiving an increasing volume of applications for registration of many different unique vehicles, both foreign and domestic, with a wide variety of ages and designs and they include former military vehicles in that list. They sight a raised concern about what is suitable for safe operation on Wisconsin highways.
The on-highway use of wheeled military vehicles is well known. The historic military vehicles we seek to preserve have the same equipment needed to meet the requirements of Wisconsin Admin Rule Trans 305 which specifies the minimum equipment for any motor vehicle in order to be registered in Wisconsin.
We know of no fatalities in Wisconsin involving privately owned HMV’s. There is no data to indicate increased rates of civilian collisions or injuries involving HMV’s in Wisconsin and there is no public protest demanding that Historic Military Vehicles be prohibited. The DOT’s concern that these vehicles pose a higher risk to public safety than other civilian vehicles is unsupported.
As collectors we place a high value on our historic vehicles, often spend many months and large sums to complete a restoration. They operate with greater caution over limited miles to preserve their value. Most collector owned HMV’s operate less than 300 miles per year.
A solution that would allow the continued use of HMV’s in Wisconsin is needed. Beginning in 2007, HMV owners give input and listened to legislative contacts and conducted an extensive dialog with DOT administrators to gain understanding of all sides of the issue. This resulted in the creation of SB 404. And its companion bill AB 592.
SB 404 addresses the specific objections of the DOT and creates a bill that would not be opposed by most HMV collectors. The restrictive wording for limiting HMV use to public events and parades and for maintenance is an excessive restriction that is opposed by our membership. Like SB 392, the SB 404 bill would create a needed definition for the preservation of Historic Military Vehicles and would solve registration issues for preservationist owners and resolve many confusing title and registration issues for DMV officials.
SB 404 overcomes the DOT’s concern that under collector rules, HMV owners would have unlimited daily vehicle use. Daily use is allowed under collector vehicle registrations. SB 404 creates a new, distinct and separate HMV category with a distinctive plate that could allow continued use of former military vehicles in a historic role and satisfy the DOT’s concern for public safety by restricting use to a profile similar to antique vehicle registrations. That is, to limit use of their HMV’s to a few hundred miles per year.
SB 404 addresses the needs of Historic Preservation and the DOT concern for public safety by:
1) Simplifying registration for vehicle owners and the DMV by providing a single MV
category.
2) It allows HMV’s to be operated with limitations.
The current wording to allow driving for “necessary testing and maintenance” does not meet the collector expectation for occasional short local recreational drives. We recommend that the restriction be amended to a less restrictive profile that allows some type of recreational use.
3) Eliminates the previous requirement for U.S. MV’s to be specified age or vintage.
a. The US military does not recognize model year. Many vehicles are sold by the US government with an incorrect year or notation “date of manufacture unknown” on the documents.
b. It retains the 25 year age requirement for imported former military vehicles which is in line with federal regulations that exempt imported vehicles from NHTSA safety rules for imported vehicles more than 25 years old. A DOT issue.
4) Under current DOT policy, all MV’s are prohibited, Including commercial and governmental use. SB 404 creates a provision to allow municipal users to own
and operate former MV’s in special applications such as rural fire fighting and
emergency government, but limits the public exposure by limiting operation to their local areas and low mile use applications.
5) The distinctive license plate allows law enforcement to distinguish privately owned
HMV’s from the active service military fleet.
6) Establishes a single HMV data base to track the future safety record of HMV’s
separate from the general collector car category.
Both SB 392 and SB 404 provide for the continued use of HMV’s and both have some restrictions.
The provisions of SB 392 would be easier to implement, would not require the cancelation and transfer of existing registrations and meets the operating profile of collector vehicle owners.
SB 392 would be the preferred legislation with less restrictions for owners.
SB 404 is acceptable legislation but is more restrictive to vehicle owners.
On behalf of the many owners of Historic Military Vehicles through out Wisconsin, we respectfully submit that both SB 392 and SB 404 be given consideration.
Thank You. For the
Respectfully, Military Vehicle Preservation Association and Wisconsin Military Vehicle Collectors
Jeff Rowsam
Spokesperson representing
Military Vehicle Preservation Association and
Wisconsin Historic Military Vehicle owners
Historic Military Vehicle Collectors wish to submit testimony in favor of registration of former military vehicles:
1) Prefer to support SB 392 with amendment.
2) Will support SB 404 with amendment.
Good Morning,
My name is Jeff Rowsam
I live at 5432 South County Hwy P, Town of New Denmark in Brown County, Wisconsin
I’m speaking today as a historic military vehicle owner and as spokes person on behalf of the individual members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) and the Historic Military Vehicle owners groups in Wisconsin.
Our members include The Midwest Military Vehicle Association (MMVA) from Southern WI, MV collectors of the Fox Valley and North East Wisconsin, the Antigo Area MV owners, The Chippewa Valley Military Preservation Association, LLC (CVMPA) and the Red Arrow Chapter of the MVPA from Northwestern Wisconsin. These groups represent some 600 owners statewide with over 1500 Historic Military Vehicles (HMV’s). The MVPA represents nearly 10,000 members in North America.
Former military vehicles are known for their heavy duty construction and have been sold as surplus equipment by the US and other governments since the 1920’s. Weekly sales continue today. Individuals, municipalities, the DNR, county highway departments, farmers, loggers and utility contractors have a long history of safely and successfully operating former military vehicles in commercial and private on-highway service.
Over the past 20 years, as popularity of WWII history re-emerged, interest by individual preservationists to own and restore these vehicles has evolved and reached the point were it is now a well developed “old car hobby”. The purchase and restoration of these vehicles for historic preservation, public displays, car shows and recreational driving is very active throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe and Australia.
Restored Jeeps and other all wheel drive trucks have been regularly driven to public events such as parades on patriotic holidays, club activities, events honoring our military veterans, and historic displays for schools and the general public. As collector vehicles, our owners also display their vehicles at car shows and enjoy occasional local drives as a form of recreation.
While fewer and fewer former military vehicles are operated in daily commercial service, Historic Military Vehicles (HMV’s) from WWII and Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War and from Operation Desert Storm now have special interest and increasingly are being purchased and restored to their original historic configuration.
In 2007, owners and collectors in Wisconsin saw an increasing number of applications for titles and registration of HMV’s being rejected by the Wisconsin DMV and the DOT. The DMV has been inconsistent. Some registration applications were approved. Others were not. The rejection of applications for models that had been licensed and operated for many years previously has left vehicle owners confused and frustrated.
The Department of Transportation states they are receiving an increasing volume of applications for registration of many different unique vehicles, both foreign and domestic, with a wide variety of ages and designs and they include former military vehicles in that list. They sight a raised concern about what is suitable for safe operation on Wisconsin highways.
The on-highway use of wheeled military vehicles is well known. The historic military vehicles we seek to preserve have the same equipment needed to meet the requirements of Wisconsin Admin Rule Trans 305 which specifies the minimum equipment for any motor vehicle in order to be registered in Wisconsin.
We know of no fatalities in Wisconsin involving privately owned HMV’s. There is no data to indicate increased rates of civilian collisions or injuries involving HMV’s in Wisconsin and there is no public protest demanding that Historic Military Vehicles be prohibited. The DOT’s concern that these vehicles pose a higher risk to public safety than other civilian vehicles is unsupported.
As collectors we place a high value on our historic vehicles, often spend many months and large sums to complete a restoration. They operate with greater caution over limited miles to preserve their value. Most collector owned HMV’s operate less than 300 miles per year.
A solution that would allow the continued use of HMV’s in Wisconsin is needed. Beginning in 2007, HMV owners give input and listened to legislative contacts and conducted an extensive dialog with DOT administrators to gain understanding of all sides of the issue. This resulted in the creation of SB 404. And its companion bill AB 592.
SB 404 addresses the specific objections of the DOT and creates a bill that would not be opposed by most HMV collectors. The restrictive wording for limiting HMV use to public events and parades and for maintenance is an excessive restriction that is opposed by our membership. Like SB 392, the SB 404 bill would create a needed definition for the preservation of Historic Military Vehicles and would solve registration issues for preservationist owners and resolve many confusing title and registration issues for DMV officials.
SB 404 overcomes the DOT’s concern that under collector rules, HMV owners would have unlimited daily vehicle use. Daily use is allowed under collector vehicle registrations. SB 404 creates a new, distinct and separate HMV category with a distinctive plate that could allow continued use of former military vehicles in a historic role and satisfy the DOT’s concern for public safety by restricting use to a profile similar to antique vehicle registrations. That is, to limit use of their HMV’s to a few hundred miles per year.
SB 404 addresses the needs of Historic Preservation and the DOT concern for public safety by:
1) Simplifying registration for vehicle owners and the DMV by providing a single MV
category.
2) It allows HMV’s to be operated with limitations.
The current wording to allow driving for “necessary testing and maintenance” does not meet the collector expectation for occasional short local recreational drives. We recommend that the restriction be amended to a less restrictive profile that allows some type of recreational use.
3) Eliminates the previous requirement for U.S. MV’s to be specified age or vintage.
a. The US military does not recognize model year. Many vehicles are sold by the US government with an incorrect year or notation “date of manufacture unknown” on the documents.
b. It retains the 25 year age requirement for imported former military vehicles which is in line with federal regulations that exempt imported vehicles from NHTSA safety rules for imported vehicles more than 25 years old. A DOT issue.
4) Under current DOT policy, all MV’s are prohibited, Including commercial and governmental use. SB 404 creates a provision to allow municipal users to own
and operate former MV’s in special applications such as rural fire fighting and
emergency government, but limits the public exposure by limiting operation to their local areas and low mile use applications.
5) The distinctive license plate allows law enforcement to distinguish privately owned
HMV’s from the active service military fleet.
6) Establishes a single HMV data base to track the future safety record of HMV’s
separate from the general collector car category.
Both SB 392 and SB 404 provide for the continued use of HMV’s and both have some restrictions.
The provisions of SB 392 would be easier to implement, would not require the cancelation and transfer of existing registrations and meets the operating profile of collector vehicle owners.
SB 392 would be the preferred legislation with less restrictions for owners.
SB 404 is acceptable legislation but is more restrictive to vehicle owners.
On behalf of the many owners of Historic Military Vehicles through out Wisconsin, we respectfully submit that both SB 392 and SB 404 be given consideration.
Thank You. For the
Respectfully, Military Vehicle Preservation Association and Wisconsin Military Vehicle Collectors
Jan 20 MVPA and HMV Owners Testimony For Bill 392
Testimony – Senate Committee Hearing Jan 20, 2010
Jeff Rowsam
Spokesperson representing
Military Vehicle Preservation Association and
Wisconsin Historic Military Vehicle owners
Historic Military Vehicle Collectors wish to submit testimony in support of SB 392.
Good Morning,
My name is Jeff Rowsam
I live at 5432 South County Hwy P, Town of New Denmark in Brown County, Wisconsin
I’m speaking today as a historic military vehicle owner and as spokes person on behalf of the individual members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) and the Historic Military Vehicle owners groups in Wisconsin.
Our members include The Midwest Military Vehicle Association (MMVA) from Southern WI, MV collectors of the Fox Valley and North East Wisconsin, the Antigo Area MV owners, The Chippewa Valley Military Preservation Association, LLC (CVMPA) and the Red Arrow Chapter of the MVPA from Northwestern Wisconsin. These groups represent some 600 owners statewide with over 1500 Historic Military Vehicles (HMV’s).
Former military vehicles are known for their heavy duty construction and have been sold here as surplus equipment by the US and other governments since the 1920’s. Weekly sales continue today. Individuals, municipalities, the DNR, county highway departments, farmers, loggers and utility contractors have a long history of safely and successfully operating former military vehicles in commercial and private on-highway service.
Over the past 20 years, as interest in WWII history re-emerged, interest by individual preservationists to own and restore these vehicles has evolved and reached the point were it is now a well developed “old car hobby”. The purchase and restoration of these vehicles for historic preservation, public displays, car shows and recreational driving is very active throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe and in Australia.
Restored Jeeps and other all wheel drive trucks have been regularly driven to public events such as parades on patriotic holidays, club activities, events honoring our military veterans, and historic displays for schools and the general public. As collector vehicles, our owners also display their vehicles at car shows and enjoy occasional local drives as a form of recreation.
While fewer and fewer former military vehicles are operated in daily commercial service, vintage HMV’s from WWII and Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War and from Operation Desert Storm now have special interest and increasingly are being purchased and restored to their original historic configuration.
In 2007, owners and collectors in Wisconsin saw an increasing number of applications for titles and registration of HMV’s being rejected by the Wisconsin DMV and the DOT. The DMV has been inconsistent. Some registration applications were approved. Others were not. The rejection of applications for models that had been licensed and operated for many years previously has left vehicle owners confused and frustrated by the change.
The Department of Transportation states they are receiving an increasing volume of applications for registration of many different unique vehicles, both foreign and domestic, with a wide variety of ages and designs and they include former military vehicles in that list . They sight a raised concern about what is suitable for safe operation on Wisconsin highways.
The on-highway use of wheeled military vehicles is well known. The historic military vehicles we seek to preserve have the same equipment needed to meet the requirements of Wisconsin Admin Rule Trans 305 which specifies the minimum equipment for any motor vehicle in order to be registered in Wisconsin.
We know of no fatalities in Wisconsin involving privately owned HMV’s. There is no data to indicate increased rates of civilian collisions or injuries involving HMV’s in Wisconsin and there is no public protest demanding that Historic Military Vehicles be prohibited.
The DOT’s concern that these vehicles pose a higher risk to public safety than other civilian vehicles is unsupported.
Collectors place a high value on their historic vehicles, often spend many months and large sums to complete a restoration. They operate with greater caution over limited miles to preserve their high value historic vehicle. Most HMV’s operate less than 300 miles annually.
SB 392 would create the needed special interest vehicle definition that will continue the registration of Historic Military Vehicles.
Our owners raise one reservation, The bill requirement that a former military vehicle must be 25 years old to qualify for registration. The US military does not designate vehicles by model year. Former military vehicles recently sold by the US government sometimes carry no documented year of manufacture or are sold with a late model rebuilt date that does not reflect the true vintage. Amending SB392 to eliminate a specific age requirement for US manufactured former military vehicles would simplify the registration issue.
In the past, establishing an accurate “Year of Manufacture” has been a confusing and often frustrating, sometimes confrontational issue between vehicle owners and the DMV. Unlike commercially manufactured trucks and autos, collector registration would be the only option for HMV’s in Wisconsin, and the need to defer to a 25 year age requirement is not necessary in this situation.
Under the bill, existing registrations will not require re-registration, cancelation or re-application.
The vehicles are an important part of our nation’s proud military history and should qualify for preservation.
On behalf of the many owners of Historic Military Vehicles through out Wisconsin, we respectfully submit that of the two registration bills under consideration today, SB 392 with a vehicle age amendment is the preferred legislation.
Thank You. For the
Respectfully, Military Vehicle Preservation Association and Wisconsin Military Vehicle Collectors
Jeff Rowsam
Spokesperson representing
Military Vehicle Preservation Association and
Wisconsin Historic Military Vehicle owners
Historic Military Vehicle Collectors wish to submit testimony in support of SB 392.
Good Morning,
My name is Jeff Rowsam
I live at 5432 South County Hwy P, Town of New Denmark in Brown County, Wisconsin
I’m speaking today as a historic military vehicle owner and as spokes person on behalf of the individual members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) and the Historic Military Vehicle owners groups in Wisconsin.
Our members include The Midwest Military Vehicle Association (MMVA) from Southern WI, MV collectors of the Fox Valley and North East Wisconsin, the Antigo Area MV owners, The Chippewa Valley Military Preservation Association, LLC (CVMPA) and the Red Arrow Chapter of the MVPA from Northwestern Wisconsin. These groups represent some 600 owners statewide with over 1500 Historic Military Vehicles (HMV’s).
Former military vehicles are known for their heavy duty construction and have been sold here as surplus equipment by the US and other governments since the 1920’s. Weekly sales continue today. Individuals, municipalities, the DNR, county highway departments, farmers, loggers and utility contractors have a long history of safely and successfully operating former military vehicles in commercial and private on-highway service.
Over the past 20 years, as interest in WWII history re-emerged, interest by individual preservationists to own and restore these vehicles has evolved and reached the point were it is now a well developed “old car hobby”. The purchase and restoration of these vehicles for historic preservation, public displays, car shows and recreational driving is very active throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe and in Australia.
Restored Jeeps and other all wheel drive trucks have been regularly driven to public events such as parades on patriotic holidays, club activities, events honoring our military veterans, and historic displays for schools and the general public. As collector vehicles, our owners also display their vehicles at car shows and enjoy occasional local drives as a form of recreation.
While fewer and fewer former military vehicles are operated in daily commercial service, vintage HMV’s from WWII and Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War and from Operation Desert Storm now have special interest and increasingly are being purchased and restored to their original historic configuration.
In 2007, owners and collectors in Wisconsin saw an increasing number of applications for titles and registration of HMV’s being rejected by the Wisconsin DMV and the DOT. The DMV has been inconsistent. Some registration applications were approved. Others were not. The rejection of applications for models that had been licensed and operated for many years previously has left vehicle owners confused and frustrated by the change.
The Department of Transportation states they are receiving an increasing volume of applications for registration of many different unique vehicles, both foreign and domestic, with a wide variety of ages and designs and they include former military vehicles in that list . They sight a raised concern about what is suitable for safe operation on Wisconsin highways.
The on-highway use of wheeled military vehicles is well known. The historic military vehicles we seek to preserve have the same equipment needed to meet the requirements of Wisconsin Admin Rule Trans 305 which specifies the minimum equipment for any motor vehicle in order to be registered in Wisconsin.
We know of no fatalities in Wisconsin involving privately owned HMV’s. There is no data to indicate increased rates of civilian collisions or injuries involving HMV’s in Wisconsin and there is no public protest demanding that Historic Military Vehicles be prohibited.
The DOT’s concern that these vehicles pose a higher risk to public safety than other civilian vehicles is unsupported.
Collectors place a high value on their historic vehicles, often spend many months and large sums to complete a restoration. They operate with greater caution over limited miles to preserve their high value historic vehicle. Most HMV’s operate less than 300 miles annually.
SB 392 would create the needed special interest vehicle definition that will continue the registration of Historic Military Vehicles.
Our owners raise one reservation, The bill requirement that a former military vehicle must be 25 years old to qualify for registration. The US military does not designate vehicles by model year. Former military vehicles recently sold by the US government sometimes carry no documented year of manufacture or are sold with a late model rebuilt date that does not reflect the true vintage. Amending SB392 to eliminate a specific age requirement for US manufactured former military vehicles would simplify the registration issue.
In the past, establishing an accurate “Year of Manufacture” has been a confusing and often frustrating, sometimes confrontational issue between vehicle owners and the DMV. Unlike commercially manufactured trucks and autos, collector registration would be the only option for HMV’s in Wisconsin, and the need to defer to a 25 year age requirement is not necessary in this situation.
Under the bill, existing registrations will not require re-registration, cancelation or re-application.
The vehicles are an important part of our nation’s proud military history and should qualify for preservation.
On behalf of the many owners of Historic Military Vehicles through out Wisconsin, we respectfully submit that of the two registration bills under consideration today, SB 392 with a vehicle age amendment is the preferred legislation.
Thank You. For the
Respectfully, Military Vehicle Preservation Association and Wisconsin Military Vehicle Collectors
Links to Full Text Of Three WI Legislature Bills To Allow Registration of Former Military Vehicles
As of Jan 20, 2010
READ THE CURRENT BILL TEXT BY CLICKING THESE ELECTRONIC LINKS
WISCONSIN MILITARY VEHICLE REGISTRATION BILLS PENDING
In the Assembly Transporation Committee
Bill AB 592 Sponsored by Rep Zigmunt
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/AB-592.pdf
In the Senate Transportation Committtee
Bill SB 392 – Sponsored by Senator Erpenbach
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/SB-392.pdf
Bill SB 404 – Senator Hansen (companion to AB 392 Zigmunt bill)
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/SB-404.pdf
READ THE CURRENT BILL TEXT BY CLICKING THESE ELECTRONIC LINKS
WISCONSIN MILITARY VEHICLE REGISTRATION BILLS PENDING
In the Assembly Transporation Committee
Bill AB 592 Sponsored by Rep Zigmunt
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/AB-592.pdf
In the Senate Transportation Committtee
Bill SB 392 – Sponsored by Senator Erpenbach
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/SB-392.pdf
Bill SB 404 – Senator Hansen (companion to AB 392 Zigmunt bill)
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/SB-404.pdf
Sunday, December 6, 2009
My Hearing Testimony In Favor of the HMV Bill Dec 3 2009
Testimony - Transportation Committee Hearing Dec 3, 2009
Jeff Rowsam
Spokesperson representing
Military Vehicle Preservation Association and
Wisconsin Historic Military Vehicle owners
We wish to submit testimony IN FAVOR of ASSEMBLY BILL 592.
Good Morning,
My name is Jeff Rowsam
I live at 5432 South County Hwy P, Town of New Denmark in Brown County, Wisconsin
I’m speaking today as a historic military vehicle owner and as the spokes person on behalf of the individual members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) and the Historic Military Vehicle owners groups in Wisconsin.
Our members include The Midwest Military Vehicle Association (MMVA) from Southern WI, MV collectors of the Fox Valley Region and North East Wisconsin, Antigo Area MV owners, The Chippewa Valley Military Preservation Association, LLC (CVMPA) and the Red Arrow Chapter of the MVPA from Northwestern Wisconsin. These groups represent nearly 600 owners with an estimated 1500 Historic Military Vehicles.
Our member’s, many of whom are military veterans own a wide variety of vehicles mainly Jeeps and small to medium cargo trucks. They are regularly driven to and from public events such as parades on patriotic holidays, club activities, events honoring our state veterans, and historic displays for schools and the general public. And on occasion assist in rendering final honors for a veteran’s funeral. As collector vehicles, our owners also show their vehicles at car shows and enjoy the occasional short local drive as a form of recreation.
Military “all wheel drive” trucks are known for their rugged heavy duty construction, and have been purchased by municipalities, county highway departments, farmers, loggers and utility contractors for commercial service. Today, Individual preservationists purchase and restore these vehicles after they have reached the end of their useful commercial life.
Direct sales of surplus equipment continue today thru regular Internet bid sales by Government Liquidation LLC (a federal marketing contractor) and the General Services Administration (GSA).
Vehicles in many configurations from WWII and Korea thru Vietnam and the Cold War and to Desert Storm are considered historic and are restored to their original military configuration by hobbyists for public displays.
In 2007, we saw an increasing number of applications for titles and registration of HMV’s being rejected. Some applications for former military vehicles were approved. Others were not. The rejection of applications for models that had been licensed previously has vehicle owners confused and frustrated.
Page 2 of 3
We are told that the Department of Transportation is receiving an increasing volume of applications for registration of many different vehicles, both foreign and domestic, with a wide variety of ages and designs. That has raised concern about what is suitable for safe operation on highways.
The department has indicated to us that they regularly receive applications for registration of non standard vehicles for on road use. Examples include, motorized scooters, Gators & Mules, lawn tractors, mini-bikes, go-karts, golf carts, imported race cars, mini-trucks and yes, motorized bar stools.
The DOT has placed Imported and US manufactured military surplus vehicles in the same group. The on-highway use of wheeled military vehicles is well known and these historic vehicles do have the necessary equipment to operate safely on highway and do not belong in the same category with motorized bar stools.
We know of no fatalities in Wisconsin involving privately owned HMV’s. There is no data to indicate increased rates of civilian collisions or injuries involving HMV’s and there is no public protest demanding that Historic Military Vehicles be prohibited.
Our efforts consulting with HMV owners and giving input to legislative contacts and with dialog from the DOT to gain understanding of the issue, resulted in the creation of AB 592.
We believe that the provisions of Assembly Bill 592 would create a needed definition for the preservation of Historic Military Vehicles and would solve registration issues for preservationist owners and resolve many confusing title and registration issues for DMV officials.
Keeping HMV’s under the current Collector registration rules and adding a definition for HMV’s seemed a simple solution and was first proposed by our group. Keeping HMV’s under Collector status does not provide a long term solution and does not address all the concerns of collectors or the DOT or Law Enforcement.
We considered allowing HMV’s under the Wisconsin “Antique” vehicle license rules. After an extended review of the wide range of HMV configurations including Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm Era’s we agreed that HMV’s did not fit in the existing antique category.
Thru the legislature, the DOT and collector groups we came to agree that legislation which created a distinct and separate HMV category with a distinctive plate would allow continued use of former military vehicles in a historic role and satisfy the DOT’s concern for public safety by restricting use to a profile similar to what preservationist collectors do now. That is, to limit use of their HMV’s to a few hundred miles per year.
Unlike in-experienced vehicle owners who want to purchase a low priced heavy duty surplus truck to use without restriction for any purpose, collectors place a high value on their Historic vehicles, spend large sums to complete a restoration and recognize the limitations and safety requirements of operating specialized vintage vehicles. They operate with greater caution over limited miles to preserve their high value vehicle
Page 3 of 3
Assembly Bill 592 meets the needs of Historic Preservation and public safety by:
1) Simplifying registration for owners and the DMV by providing a single, clear MV
category.
2) It allows HMV’s to be operated with limitations.
The current wording to allow driving for “necessary testing and maintenance” meets the collectors need the occasional short local drives.
3) Eliminates the previous requirement for US MV’s to be specified age or vintage.
a. The US military does not recognize model year. Many vehicles are sold by the US government with an incorrect year or notation “date of manufacture unknown” on the documents.
b. The bill simplifies the registration process that has been difficult to the point of confrontation between owners and DMV employees
c. It retains the 25 year age requirement for imported former military vehicles which is in line with federal regulations that exempt imported vehicles from NHTSA safety requirements on vehicles more than 25 years old.
4) Creates a provision to continue to allow municipal users to own and operate
former MV’s in special applications such as rural fire fighting and emergency government, but limits the public exposure by limiting operation to their local areas.
5) The distinctive license plate allows law enforcement to distinguish privately owned
HMV’s from active military vehicles.
6) Establishes a single HMV data base to track the future safety record of HMV’s.
The DOT maintains safety statistics by license type but currently can not track HMV’s that are grouped with other collector vehicles with blue plates.
There is a large group of citizens and veterans who have a passionate interest in preserving and operating Historic Military Vehicles. They recognize that these vehicles are an important part of our nation’s proud military history and should be preserved, and used to honor veterans and educate the public.
On behalf of the many owners of Historic Military Vehicles through out Wisconsin, we respectfully submit that Assembly Bill 592 be presented to the legislature for consideration.
Thank You. For the
Respectfully, Military Vehicle Preservation Association and Wisconsin Military Vehicle Collectors
Jeff Rowsam
Spokesperson representing
Military Vehicle Preservation Association and
Wisconsin Historic Military Vehicle owners
We wish to submit testimony IN FAVOR of ASSEMBLY BILL 592.
Good Morning,
My name is Jeff Rowsam
I live at 5432 South County Hwy P, Town of New Denmark in Brown County, Wisconsin
I’m speaking today as a historic military vehicle owner and as the spokes person on behalf of the individual members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) and the Historic Military Vehicle owners groups in Wisconsin.
Our members include The Midwest Military Vehicle Association (MMVA) from Southern WI, MV collectors of the Fox Valley Region and North East Wisconsin, Antigo Area MV owners, The Chippewa Valley Military Preservation Association, LLC (CVMPA) and the Red Arrow Chapter of the MVPA from Northwestern Wisconsin. These groups represent nearly 600 owners with an estimated 1500 Historic Military Vehicles.
Our member’s, many of whom are military veterans own a wide variety of vehicles mainly Jeeps and small to medium cargo trucks. They are regularly driven to and from public events such as parades on patriotic holidays, club activities, events honoring our state veterans, and historic displays for schools and the general public. And on occasion assist in rendering final honors for a veteran’s funeral. As collector vehicles, our owners also show their vehicles at car shows and enjoy the occasional short local drive as a form of recreation.
Military “all wheel drive” trucks are known for their rugged heavy duty construction, and have been purchased by municipalities, county highway departments, farmers, loggers and utility contractors for commercial service. Today, Individual preservationists purchase and restore these vehicles after they have reached the end of their useful commercial life.
Direct sales of surplus equipment continue today thru regular Internet bid sales by Government Liquidation LLC (a federal marketing contractor) and the General Services Administration (GSA).
Vehicles in many configurations from WWII and Korea thru Vietnam and the Cold War and to Desert Storm are considered historic and are restored to their original military configuration by hobbyists for public displays.
In 2007, we saw an increasing number of applications for titles and registration of HMV’s being rejected. Some applications for former military vehicles were approved. Others were not. The rejection of applications for models that had been licensed previously has vehicle owners confused and frustrated.
Page 2 of 3
We are told that the Department of Transportation is receiving an increasing volume of applications for registration of many different vehicles, both foreign and domestic, with a wide variety of ages and designs. That has raised concern about what is suitable for safe operation on highways.
The department has indicated to us that they regularly receive applications for registration of non standard vehicles for on road use. Examples include, motorized scooters, Gators & Mules, lawn tractors, mini-bikes, go-karts, golf carts, imported race cars, mini-trucks and yes, motorized bar stools.
The DOT has placed Imported and US manufactured military surplus vehicles in the same group. The on-highway use of wheeled military vehicles is well known and these historic vehicles do have the necessary equipment to operate safely on highway and do not belong in the same category with motorized bar stools.
We know of no fatalities in Wisconsin involving privately owned HMV’s. There is no data to indicate increased rates of civilian collisions or injuries involving HMV’s and there is no public protest demanding that Historic Military Vehicles be prohibited.
Our efforts consulting with HMV owners and giving input to legislative contacts and with dialog from the DOT to gain understanding of the issue, resulted in the creation of AB 592.
We believe that the provisions of Assembly Bill 592 would create a needed definition for the preservation of Historic Military Vehicles and would solve registration issues for preservationist owners and resolve many confusing title and registration issues for DMV officials.
Keeping HMV’s under the current Collector registration rules and adding a definition for HMV’s seemed a simple solution and was first proposed by our group. Keeping HMV’s under Collector status does not provide a long term solution and does not address all the concerns of collectors or the DOT or Law Enforcement.
We considered allowing HMV’s under the Wisconsin “Antique” vehicle license rules. After an extended review of the wide range of HMV configurations including Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm Era’s we agreed that HMV’s did not fit in the existing antique category.
Thru the legislature, the DOT and collector groups we came to agree that legislation which created a distinct and separate HMV category with a distinctive plate would allow continued use of former military vehicles in a historic role and satisfy the DOT’s concern for public safety by restricting use to a profile similar to what preservationist collectors do now. That is, to limit use of their HMV’s to a few hundred miles per year.
Unlike in-experienced vehicle owners who want to purchase a low priced heavy duty surplus truck to use without restriction for any purpose, collectors place a high value on their Historic vehicles, spend large sums to complete a restoration and recognize the limitations and safety requirements of operating specialized vintage vehicles. They operate with greater caution over limited miles to preserve their high value vehicle
Page 3 of 3
Assembly Bill 592 meets the needs of Historic Preservation and public safety by:
1) Simplifying registration for owners and the DMV by providing a single, clear MV
category.
2) It allows HMV’s to be operated with limitations.
The current wording to allow driving for “necessary testing and maintenance” meets the collectors need the occasional short local drives.
3) Eliminates the previous requirement for US MV’s to be specified age or vintage.
a. The US military does not recognize model year. Many vehicles are sold by the US government with an incorrect year or notation “date of manufacture unknown” on the documents.
b. The bill simplifies the registration process that has been difficult to the point of confrontation between owners and DMV employees
c. It retains the 25 year age requirement for imported former military vehicles which is in line with federal regulations that exempt imported vehicles from NHTSA safety requirements on vehicles more than 25 years old.
4) Creates a provision to continue to allow municipal users to own and operate
former MV’s in special applications such as rural fire fighting and emergency government, but limits the public exposure by limiting operation to their local areas.
5) The distinctive license plate allows law enforcement to distinguish privately owned
HMV’s from active military vehicles.
6) Establishes a single HMV data base to track the future safety record of HMV’s.
The DOT maintains safety statistics by license type but currently can not track HMV’s that are grouped with other collector vehicles with blue plates.
There is a large group of citizens and veterans who have a passionate interest in preserving and operating Historic Military Vehicles. They recognize that these vehicles are an important part of our nation’s proud military history and should be preserved, and used to honor veterans and educate the public.
On behalf of the many owners of Historic Military Vehicles through out Wisconsin, we respectfully submit that Assembly Bill 592 be presented to the legislature for consideration.
Thank You. For the
Respectfully, Military Vehicle Preservation Association and Wisconsin Military Vehicle Collectors
Rep Ted Zigmunts Testimony introducing the HMV bill
Testimony by Representative Ted Zigmunt Regarding AB 592
For Assembly Committee on Transportation,
December 3, 2009
Mr. Chairperson, and members of the Transportation Committee, thank-you for allowing me to
present this brief testimony on behalf of Assembly Bill 592, or as we have named it the
“Historical Military Vehicle Bill.” I would also like to thank Chairperson Steinbrink, and
Representatives Ripp, Sinicki, and Vruwink of this committee for signing-on to this important
piece of legislation.
This legislation would ensure that privately owned historic military vehicles, many of which are
owned by veterans, could still be driven in important public events like Memorial Day, Veterans
Day and Fourth of July parades.
A constituent of mine, Jeff Rowsam, brought to my attention new state regulations that would
threaten the ability of military vehicle collectors to register and drive their historic vehicles. This
is clearly an issue that is very important to many collectors like Jeff and other enthusiasts across
the state.
For private collectors, veterans and their families, the preservation, restoration, and public
display of historic military vehicles including WWII Motorcycles, Korean War Jeeps, Vietnam
and Desert Storm era cargo trucks is not just a hobby, but an obligation to share living history.
With increasing numbers of many types of off-road recreational vehicles, the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken steps to restrict the registration of “non-standard”
vehicles operating on public highways. This threatens the ability of historic military vehicle
enthusiasts to share their historic equipment with the public. This legislation would allow
historic military vehicles to be licensed similarly to other antique vehicles, allowing them in
parades and special public events.
We have worked together with Mr. Paul Nilsen of the Department of Transportation over many
months to come to an understanding that is satisfactory to all parties involved.
I ask that you hold any questions you may have until Jeff Rowsam completes his testimony. If it
pleases the chairperson and committee members I would like to introduce you to Jeff Rowsam
who has been a Military Vehicle Collector for over 30 years and currently has four restored
Historic Military Vehicles.
For Assembly Committee on Transportation,
December 3, 2009
Mr. Chairperson, and members of the Transportation Committee, thank-you for allowing me to
present this brief testimony on behalf of Assembly Bill 592, or as we have named it the
“Historical Military Vehicle Bill.” I would also like to thank Chairperson Steinbrink, and
Representatives Ripp, Sinicki, and Vruwink of this committee for signing-on to this important
piece of legislation.
This legislation would ensure that privately owned historic military vehicles, many of which are
owned by veterans, could still be driven in important public events like Memorial Day, Veterans
Day and Fourth of July parades.
A constituent of mine, Jeff Rowsam, brought to my attention new state regulations that would
threaten the ability of military vehicle collectors to register and drive their historic vehicles. This
is clearly an issue that is very important to many collectors like Jeff and other enthusiasts across
the state.
For private collectors, veterans and their families, the preservation, restoration, and public
display of historic military vehicles including WWII Motorcycles, Korean War Jeeps, Vietnam
and Desert Storm era cargo trucks is not just a hobby, but an obligation to share living history.
With increasing numbers of many types of off-road recreational vehicles, the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken steps to restrict the registration of “non-standard”
vehicles operating on public highways. This threatens the ability of historic military vehicle
enthusiasts to share their historic equipment with the public. This legislation would allow
historic military vehicles to be licensed similarly to other antique vehicles, allowing them in
parades and special public events.
We have worked together with Mr. Paul Nilsen of the Department of Transportation over many
months to come to an understanding that is satisfactory to all parties involved.
I ask that you hold any questions you may have until Jeff Rowsam completes his testimony. If it
pleases the chairperson and committee members I would like to introduce you to Jeff Rowsam
who has been a Military Vehicle Collector for over 30 years and currently has four restored
Historic Military Vehicles.
Testimony Given at Public Hearing Dec 3
Yesterday, Dec 3, 2009 at the Wisconsin state capitol in Madison, we presented prepared testimony on behalf of the MVPA and WI HMV owners for the HMV bill. The Wisconsin House transportation committee heard our presentation in favor of AB 592 “The Historic Military Vehicle Registration” bill.
The bill was introduced to the committee by Rep Ted Zigmunt, the bill sponsor. I presented testimony with Rep Zigmunt in favor of the bill and fielded questions from the committee. A representative from the state Dept of Transportation testified for the state in favor of the bill. The DOT thanked the HMV clubs for our cooperation in helping create the bill. They agreed that it will resolve registration issues for the state DMV and MV owners. That was a big help in our favor with the transportation committee members.
Several other MVPA members, veterans and non veterans spoke in favor and presented photos as examples of HMV’s being used in recent parades honoring veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The turn out of supporters for the bill was small, being a weekday and on short notice, and we were the last item on the long committee agenda. The committee chair thanked us for providing a factual presentation and keeping to the topic.
There were about 4 people who spoke as individuals and were against the bill. The individuals testifying against the bill sighted their views that the state was infringing on their “rights” to be able to register any surplus military vehicle and be allowed to use them without restriction for any private or commercial purpose.
The MVPA provided handout packages for the committee members that included recent issues of Army Motors and Supply Line. Numerous committee members who were not familiar with HMV’s told me after the meeting that the Supply Line and Army Motors periodicals were a great help in understanding what the HMV movement is about. The magazines and photos really had a great deal of visual impact with the committee and supported our case.
Having completed the hearing, the transportation committee will consider AB592 in their next committee meeting and are expected to approve it “without amendment” which will clear it to move to a floor vote in late January.
Before the meeting we did discuss asking for an amendment to clarify and expand the “vehicle use restriction” part of the bill. Our legislators cautioned against doing that. Explaining that the more vague the restriction is, the better for HMV owners. The old phrase “be careful what you ask for” was mentioned. Asking to change the bill now we are told, could case the existing co sponsors to question the changes and withdraw support. Based on earlier input from a few MV owners, I considered asking for a change, in the end I decided not risk the bill and to keep the bill as is. I really believe the bill “as is” will meet our needs. We also confirmed that if occasional use is a problem for owners in the future, we can amend the bill later. A future amendment if needed will be easier than trying to “over guess” issues that are not likely to cause problems for owners right now.
Several HMV owners asked the DOT rep privately about the same issue following the meeting. The DOT rep also confirmed again that the “necessary maintenance and testing” wording means you can take an occasional drive with the grandkids on a summer evening just don’t use it as daily transportation.
The next step will be a similar hearing for the Senate transportation committee where we have also secured sponsorships and will introduce the same bill in the next few weeks. I’m trying to meet with the Senate sponsor next week in Green Bay.
The bill could go to the state legislature for a floor vote in the general winter session starting in late January.
The bill was introduced to the committee by Rep Ted Zigmunt, the bill sponsor. I presented testimony with Rep Zigmunt in favor of the bill and fielded questions from the committee. A representative from the state Dept of Transportation testified for the state in favor of the bill. The DOT thanked the HMV clubs for our cooperation in helping create the bill. They agreed that it will resolve registration issues for the state DMV and MV owners. That was a big help in our favor with the transportation committee members.
Several other MVPA members, veterans and non veterans spoke in favor and presented photos as examples of HMV’s being used in recent parades honoring veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The turn out of supporters for the bill was small, being a weekday and on short notice, and we were the last item on the long committee agenda. The committee chair thanked us for providing a factual presentation and keeping to the topic.
There were about 4 people who spoke as individuals and were against the bill. The individuals testifying against the bill sighted their views that the state was infringing on their “rights” to be able to register any surplus military vehicle and be allowed to use them without restriction for any private or commercial purpose.
The MVPA provided handout packages for the committee members that included recent issues of Army Motors and Supply Line. Numerous committee members who were not familiar with HMV’s told me after the meeting that the Supply Line and Army Motors periodicals were a great help in understanding what the HMV movement is about. The magazines and photos really had a great deal of visual impact with the committee and supported our case.
Having completed the hearing, the transportation committee will consider AB592 in their next committee meeting and are expected to approve it “without amendment” which will clear it to move to a floor vote in late January.
Before the meeting we did discuss asking for an amendment to clarify and expand the “vehicle use restriction” part of the bill. Our legislators cautioned against doing that. Explaining that the more vague the restriction is, the better for HMV owners. The old phrase “be careful what you ask for” was mentioned. Asking to change the bill now we are told, could case the existing co sponsors to question the changes and withdraw support. Based on earlier input from a few MV owners, I considered asking for a change, in the end I decided not risk the bill and to keep the bill as is. I really believe the bill “as is” will meet our needs. We also confirmed that if occasional use is a problem for owners in the future, we can amend the bill later. A future amendment if needed will be easier than trying to “over guess” issues that are not likely to cause problems for owners right now.
Several HMV owners asked the DOT rep privately about the same issue following the meeting. The DOT rep also confirmed again that the “necessary maintenance and testing” wording means you can take an occasional drive with the grandkids on a summer evening just don’t use it as daily transportation.
The next step will be a similar hearing for the Senate transportation committee where we have also secured sponsorships and will introduce the same bill in the next few weeks. I’m trying to meet with the Senate sponsor next week in Green Bay.
The bill could go to the state legislature for a floor vote in the general winter session starting in late January.
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