Although officially designated as Chapter 124 of the Acts of 2004, motorcyclists have come to know the legislation as "Nelly's Bill," in memory of Nelson Selig, a Massachusetts rider who was killed when another motorist crossed into his path.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney signed the bill into law on June 10, 2004; the law will take effect 90 days thereafter. The bill's main sponsors were State Sen. Bruce Tarr and Rep. Brad Hill, with numerous other legislators lending support.

"At the state level, motorcyclists in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are better off today, thanks to Nelly's Law and the hard work of MMA and its supporters," said Sean Maher, AMA Director of State Affairs. "And nationwide, motorcyclists will look to Massachusetts as a model of how dedicated motorcyclists can work together to protect our right to ride."

"We appreciate the AMA's invaluable help in making Nelly's Law a reality," said Paul W. Cote, MMA's Legislative Director. "MMA is proud to support AMA programs like 'Justice for All' and 'Motorcyclists Matter,' and we're gratified that Massachusetts is among the first states to support the goals of those programs with this new law."

The goal of the AMA�s "Justice for All" campaign is to focus the public�s attention on inadequate sentencing of drivers who seriously injure or kill motorcyclists, and to push for laws with tougher penalties when motorists' traffic offenses or criminal actions result in death or serious injury. "Motorcyclists Matter," originally launched to battle other motorists violating motorcyclists' right-of-way, has been expanded to include tougher penalties for motor vehicle-related felonies resulting in injury or death, and incorporation of motorcycle-awareness training in state driver-education curriculums.