HB 1109 -- MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

SPONSOR:  Crawford

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Transportation and Motor Vehicles by a vote of 13 to 7.

This bill requires only persons under 21 years of age to wear
protective headgear when operating or riding as a passenger on
any motorcycle or motortricycle.  Currently, all motorcyclists
are required to wear protective headgear.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and
FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this is strictly an issue of
freedom and the right of adults to make their own choice.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Ward; American
Motorcycle Association; and Freedom of Road Riders.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that Missouri's
motorcycle helmet law was good public policy when it was enacted
37 years ago, and it is still good public policy.  The current
helmet laws do work, and helmet usage is the single most
important factor contributing to the survival of a person
involved in a motorcycle crash.

Testifying against the bill were Missouri Motorcycle Safety
Program; Missouri Safety Council; Missouri Advocates for Traffic
Safety; Division of Highway Safety; Missouri Medical Association;
Missouri College of Emergency Physicians; and Barb Sturner.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am