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March 29, 2012

Helmet law repeal sent to Gov. Snyder

Senate passes bill to allow riders 21 or older to skip helmet

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Associated Press

LANSING — Michigan lawmakers made their latest attempt at repealing the state's mandatory motorcycle helmet law for some riders Wednesday, but the proposal faces an uncertain fate with Gov. Rick Snyder.

The Senate gave final legislative approval to a bill that would allow riders 21 or older to go without helmets if they meet certain insurance and experience conditions. Senators approved the bill by a 24-14 vote, sending the measure to Snyder.

The Republican governor has said he only wants to tackle the helmet law in the context of broader auto insurance reform. But proposals for more sweeping reforms appear stalled in the Legislature. Pressed by reporters this week on whether he would sign a bill repealing the mandatory motorcycle helmet law, Snyder did not give a definitive answer — saying only he'd "review it like every other piece of legislation."

Lawmakers have passed repeals of the motorcycle helmet requirement before, but the measures were vetoed twice by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

To go helmetless under the latest Michigan plan, riders must have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or have passed a safety course. Motorcyclists would need at least $20,000 of first party medical benefits coverage in the event they are involved in an accident. Efforts to raise that to $100,000 ultimately failed in the Senate.

Motorcycle riders have wanted a repeal of Michigan's mandatory helmet law for years. They say wearing a helmet should be a matter of personal choice, not a mandate.

Supporters of the bill noted there's nothing that will prevent a rider from using a helmet if so desired.

"It's designed to offer that choice and freedom to individual riders," said Sen. Phil Pavlov, a Republican from St. Clair Township and the bill's sponsor.

Critics say allowing more riders to go helmetless will add to motorcycle injury and death tolls in Michigan. They also say it will raise insurance costs for all motorists to help cover the increased risks to motorcyclists.

The Insurance Institute of Michigan opposes the bill, saying it would increase the costs of insurance for all policyholders.

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