As expected, with a vote 25-14 mostly along party lines a law passed by the Michigan State Senate would be repealed for bikers 21 and older if the rider would also have to have been licensed to ride a motorcycle for at least two years or have completed a motorcycle safety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. In exchange those riding without a helmet would be required to carry insurance to cover up to $100,000 in medical costs if they get into an accident.
Governor Rick Snyder 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 The previous Legislature repealed the helmet requirement twice but former Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed it both times, saying the healthcare tab for injured and uninsured motorcyclists would be too costly for taxpayers.