FOUR WINS AANR AND ITS REGIONS MADE POSSIBLE IN 2024
Last year proved to be an extremely busy one for the Association and its volunteers on the legislative front. Here are four significant accomplishments that member financial support and efforts made possible.
Wisconsin AB 503, 504, and SB 478 – would have punished parents who brought their minor children to events with adult nudity. They prohibited being “intentionally” (as opposed to indecently) nude in any public setting as well. All are punishable as first-degree misdemeanors (i.e., with up to one year in jail or with significant fines). AANR discovered that the bills had been introduced through legislative tracking software made possible from AANR dues. Thanks to a key government affairs professional recommended by Bob Morton, this professional guided efforts to stop these bills. AANR and the AANR Midwest region complied with lobbying disclosure laws by registering with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission (a process with associated significant fees of its own). Volunteers made visits to the state capital in Madison to present legislative testimony in opposition. Numerous members made calls to state lawmakers who represented their home districts. As a result, the bills were stopped in the 11th hour of the session. AANR gratefully acknowledges contributions by other AANR regions including AANR-Northwest, AANR-West, and AANRSouthwest, and AANR-Midwest.
Hawaii HB 1873 and SB 2251 – These bills were similar to the Wisconsin legislation in that they sought to punish mere “intentional” nudity as opposed to “indecent” nudity with an intent to arouse or offend another, which is the existing standard. Once again, computerized tracking systems identified this problem legislation and Bob Morton provided a contact to assist with effective legislative communications. The bills were stopped in committee with thanks to AANR West and other regions’ support as well.
Florida – HB 197 and SB 896 – provided an opportunity to improve proposed legislation concerning licensed massage therapy with recognition of the American Association for Nude Recreation by name. Nudity is permitted where massage is offered in applicable establishments chartered with the Association. The provisions recognizing AANR received bipartisan support on their way to passage into law. AANR and AANR-Florida region dues helped fund this victory.
Puerto Rico – HB 1821 by Rep. Muniz was prompted when a constituent complained after venturing onto a nude beach with her family despite notice that the beach was there.
AANR-Florida region President Joe Rives was instrumental in addressing this bill during visits with lawmakers … both in Puerto Rico and during the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Erich Schuttauf is a licensed, Florida attorney with 25 years of experience in state and federal courts. He received his BA from Purdue University and his Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law. Erich is the author of two employment law guides, published by Commerce Clearing House (CCH). He has served as a Guardian Ad Litem and as an expert witness in cases involving nudist issues.