Michigan Lawmakers Again OK Motorcycle Helmet Repeal

Michigan lawmakers are making another attempt at repealing a state law that requires motorcyclists to wear helmets.

The state Senate gave final legislative approval to a repeal of the ban Wednesday by a 24-14 vote. The measure next goes to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, and it’s not clear whether he will sign it.

Snyder 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.

The pending helmet proposal would allow riders 21 or older to go without helmets if they meet certain insurance and experience conditions.

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.