SANTEE, CALIFORNIA (June 23, 2005) - Legislation sponsored by the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) that will lead to lower workers' compensation insurance rates for California motorcycle dealers was passed unanimously by the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee of the California State Senate yesterday. ORBA's Bill was introduced by State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth.

This legislation requires the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Board (WCIRB) to study the workers' compensation classification codes to consider changing them to align with the codes used by automobile dealers who realize much lower insurance premiums. If the WCIRB was petitioned to do a study without this legislation it could take three years or more to complete. With the legislation the WCIRB is required to finish the study by June of next year.

According to Bruce Haga, ORBA consultant, "Motorcycle dealers in California have a combined payroll of around $170 million while the auto dealers have a $5 billion payroll. By joining the larger auto dealers' pool, motorcycle dealers will avoid the up and down premiums associated with the smaller insurance pool and will realize the significantly lower premiums that car dealers enjoy." He went on to say "Both Nevada and Arizona include motorcycle dealers in their automobile structure and this results in a 50% lower cost than what California dealers pay."

ORBA's President & CEO, Roy Denner is delighted that this bill passed unanimously with bi-partisan support. "As a non-profit trade association, ORBA's sole interest in this issue is to see that California motorcycle dealers get the best possible rates for their workers' compensation insurance. We have been working diligently with our State Senator, as well as our consultant and our California lobbyist, Pete Conaty, in Sacramento, to bring this legislation to the Committee. We are pleased to promote this benefit to the dealers."