(Radio Iowa) – Motorcycles assembled by individuals rather than produced by a recognized manufacturer could legally drive on Iowa roads if a bill that’s moving through the legislature becomes law. The bill passed the House unanimously last week in less than a minute and a Senate subcommittee hearing this (Monday) afternoon on the measure lasted less than three minutes.

Susan Fenton, the legislative liaison for the Iowa Department of Transportation, says the agency’s not opposing the bill, but she says it would let rebuilt off-road motorcycles on the highways. “The concern that we have would be that they won’t meet the federal guidelines and there could be safety risks,” Fenton said. Senator Liz Bennett, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, says she’s willing to learn a little bit more about the bill, but is reluctant to vote for it at this point.”

“I do have a few concerns with it,” Bennett said. “I’m not sure why we would authorize stuff on the roads that doesn’t meet federal standards.” Republican Senator Mark Lofgren is willing to advance the bill.  “I don’t know much about it, but I’m willing to get it out of committee since I’m not hearing really anything negative on it,” Lofgren said. Lofgren, who’s from Muscatine had to join the hearing by telephone.

The blizzard delayed his trip to the Capitol in Des Moines. “I’ve got the weather problem thing, but I guess they just got (Interstate) 80 opened up,” Lofgren said. “I will be there, but I’ll be late.” A few legislative meetings are being held today, but the House AND Senate have cancelled plans to debate bills today (Monday) as some legislators have been unable to get to the statehouse.