Senate committee hearings began this week, and my fellow senators and I began discussing and debating the merits of numerous pieces of filed legislation. One of my bills, Senate Bill 590, was heard by the Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Senate Bill 590 will lift the requirement that everyone operating a motorcycle or motortricycle must wear a helmet.
Wearing a helmet should be a personal choice, and I believe the current law encroaches on Missourians’ personal liberties.
During the committee hearing on Thursday, experienced motorcycle riders testified in support of this legislation. They would prefer not to wear a helmet, and I believe they should be able to make that choice for themselves.
Several of our neighboring states have no requirement to wear a helmet. I believe this has caused bikers to avoid riding through Missouri, and further caused Missouri to lose money from potential sales tax revenue generated by these riders. I will continue to advocate for SB 590 and fight for your personal liberties.
This legislation was passed by the General Assembly last year as part of a larger bill. Unfortunately, the governor vetoed the legislation because he was concerned about a separate section of the bill. This year, I am hopeful SB 590 will be passed by the General Assembly and be signed into law by the governor.
This legislation was passed by the General Assembly last year as part of a larger bill. Unfortunately, the governor vetoed the legislation because he was concerned about a separate section of the bill. This year, I am hopeful SB 590 will be passed by the General Assembly and be signed into law by the governor.
I'm sure the funeral home and memorial marker industry are losing sales due to Missouri's helmet law too. Let's give 'em a hand!
ReplyDelete"We could solve real issues...or take up this token item..."
ReplyDeleteThey don't call it the General Ass-embly for nothing.
Funny how Republicans want freedom of choice for motorcycle riders to voluntarily kill themselves but deny that same right to women in this state.
ReplyDeleteImportant note: all insurance companies do not have to cover any injury resulting in a motorcycle driver riding without a helmet. Brain injuries are normal, but other injuries occur due to them being distracted when hit with bugs, debris from vehicles and looking off to side and losing their eye protection. Just plain sense that normal rational people and their insurance should not be inflated due to total stupidity and their "right" to ride free.
ReplyDeleteAmerica is not now and never has been about being safe. Cars will go faster than the speed limit. We would be much safer with a speed limit of say....55mph. We still produce, and in fact, subsidize alcohol and tobacco. I can make many, many more points on how to make America safer. The simple truth is we all want what we want, and the other guy is crazy for wanting what they want. And dont give me the argument about its costing you money. Let me share other things costing you money that benefit you not one bit. Nah, not worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteWe need the donors!
ReplyDeleteSome things aren't always about money. Safety is common sense.
ReplyDeleteI should be able to opt out of wearing a seat belt if they don't have to wear helmets.
ReplyDelete