OFF THE WIRE
http://www.freep.com/article/20111101/NEWS06/111101056/Repeal-motorcycle-helmet-law-Michigan-close-passing-state-House?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE
BY DAWSON BELL
DETROIT FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU
•Rick Snyder •Jennifer Granholm Related Links Michigan lawmakers advance ride-without-helmet motorcycle bills More
Legislation lifting the mandatory helmet rule for Michigan motorcyclists is on the verge of passage in the state House after a preliminary vote this afternoon.
The House legislation would allow a motorcycle rider 21 years of age or older to get rid of the helmet after purchasing a minimum of $20,000 in medical insurance. The rider would also have to have at least two years of experience or pass a motorcycle safety course.
A final House vote is expected Wednesday.
Similar legislation – with a $100,000 medical insurance threshold – was approved earlier this year in the state Senate, which would have to concur with the House changes before the bill could be sent to Gov. Rick Snyder.
Snyder has declined to say whether he would sign a stand-alone motorcycle helmet bill. He said he would consider lifting the requirement if it was included in a more sweeping overhaul of the state’s auto insurance regulations.
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm twice vetoed bills that would have made motorcycle helmets optional.
http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=308257&cID=1
Vote Expected This Week on Helmet Law
Posted On: 11/1/2011 The latest proposal to allow motorcyclists to ride without helmets in Michigan could be voted on this week.
The legislation could be discussed by state lawmakers today and voted on later in the week.
The Michigan state Senate has already approved the bill, which would allow riders 21 and older to go without helmets if they meet certain insurance and experience conditions.
The state's mandatory motorcycle helmet law has come close to being repealed before, but it was vetoed twice.
