The latest attempt by Michigan lawmakers to repeal a state law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets passed the state House and cleared a key hurdle.
Senate Bill 29, approved by a 69-39 vote, would allow riders 21 or older to go without helmets if they meet certain insurance and experience conditions.
Riders must have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or have passed a safety course to go without helmets. The House bill calls for motorcyclists to have at least $20,000 of first party medical benefits coverage in the event they are involved in an accident.
The bill returns to the Senate, which already has passed the bill in a similar form. If the Senate agrees with the House-backed changes, the legislation would be sent to Gov. Rick Snyder.
It’s unclear what the Republican governor will do if the bill reaches his desk.
This summer, Snyder did not appear interested in dealing with the bill on its own but indicated it could be considered as part of broader changes to auto insurance laws.
The Senate version calls for motorcyclists wishing to ride without helmets to have at least $100,000 of insurance coverage for first-party medical benefits.
Motorcycle riders have wanted a repeal of Michigan’s mandatory helmet law for years. Critics of the requirement say it stops some out-of-state riders from visiting Michigan. Others say wearing a helmet should be a matter of personal choice, not a mandate.
Supporters of the legislation stress that wearing a helmet would be optional if the legislation becomes law.
“It’s there to wear if that’s your choice,” said Rep. Peter Pettalia, a Republican from Presque Isle who voted in favor of the bill.
The Legislature has passed bills to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law previously, but the bills were vetoed twice by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
Opponents of allowing motorcyclists to go helmetless say it would increase deaths and injuries and add to insurance costs.
Topics Auto Legislation Michigan
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