By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, – A Missouri Senate committee today (Wed.) voted to repeal the requirement that anyone 21 or older wear a helmet when riding motorcycles. The measure cleared the House a couple weeks ago.
The bill, though, traditionally faces greater hurdles in the full Senate, where just one or two opponents can stall a vote.
Motorcycle enthusiasts have tried for years to repeal Missouri law requiring them to wear helmets. They're hoping their chances are better this time around.
Supporters of the repeal say it's an issue of personal freedom. Opponents say helmet use will go down, and deaths and serious injuries from motorcycle crashes will rise, which will in turn increase the state's health care costs.