Michigan Senate passes helmet law repeal

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http://www.detnews.com/article/20110628/METRO/106280392/1361/Snyder-says-motorcycle-helmet-law-could-be-repealed-in-insurance-package
Michigan Senate passes helmet law repeal

 Karen Bouffard/ Detroit News Lansing Bureau Lansing — Michigan's motorcycle helmet law would be repealed for people 21 and older under a law passed by the state Senate this afternoon.
Those riding without a helmet would be required to carry enough insurance to cover up to $100,000 in medical costs if they get into an accident.
The law passed 25-14 mostly along party lines. Republican Sen. Roger Kahn of Saginaw, a physician, sided with Democrats in opposing the repeal.
"As a physician, I've seen enough motorcycle accidents," Kahn said.
The rider would also have to have been licensed to ride a motorcycle for at least two years or have completed a motorcycle safety course.
Gov. Rick Snyder this morning said repeal of the helmet requirement isn't a top priority for his administration, though it might be considered as part of a larger insurance reform package later this year. It was unclear whether he would sign the repeal if passed by the Legislature.
The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
The current law requires a helmet for motorcyclists, as well as for individuals under 19 operating a moped on a public thoroughfare.The Legislature previously repealed the requirement for motorcyclists but former Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed the repeal citing the health costs paid by the state when uninsured riders are injured.
"The first hour in an emergency room for someone gravely hill is over $20,000 almost always," Kahn said, urging the chamber to require insurance. "Those folks who are disabled or become mentally incapable of functioning any longer end up in a nursing home and their costs are more than $30,000 a year for as long as they live."
The previous Legislature repealed the helmet requirementtwice but former Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed it both times, saying the healthcare tab for injured and uninsured motorcyclists would be too costly for taxpayers. If passage of the bill led to more head injuries Medicaid costs for the state could potentially increase.
To the extent that the bill would exempt certain people from wearing a crash helmet, it could decrease the number of civil infraction determinations for violations of this section, thereby decreasing revenue from fine, which is dedicated to public libraries.