Missouri Motorcyclists Would No Longer Need Helmets Under House Bill
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Missouri Motorcyclists Would No Longer Need Helmets Under House Bill

Date: April 5, 2016
By: Jack Morrisroe
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 1464

Intro: 
Missouri representatives would allow motorcyclists to ride without a helmet under a House measure.
RunTime: 0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: With minor exceptions, the measure would allow Missouri motorcyclists to ride helmet-less.

Springfield Republican Eric Burlison said people should have the choice to wear a helmet or not.

Actuality:  BURLISON.WAV
Run Time: 00:09
Description: Thirty-one states in the nation do not require their riders to wear a helmet. It's time that Missouri join those states and give our individuals freedom.

 

The bill's proponents also said Missouri is losing tourism dollars to surrounding states.

Opponents said the measure imposes a tax burden on the state's citizens, who would consequetially have to pay for more rehab and surgery.

The House bill passed on a close voice vote and needs one more affirmative vote to pass to the Senate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.

 

Intro: 
A measure that would allow motorcyclists to ride without a helmet met fierce opposition in the Missouri House Tuesday.
RunTime: 0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: A House measure would allow motorcyclists in the state to ride without a helmet, with minor restrictions.

St. Louis County Democrat Deb Lavender said the measure imposes a tax burden on the state's citizens, who would have to pay for the continued rehab and surgery for unprotected riders in motorcycle accidents.

Actuality:  LAVENDER.WAV
Run Time: 00:08
Description: We can look at it as a jobs bill for hospitals, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and certainly physical therapists. It does keep us in business.
Those in favor of the bill say people should have the freedom to choose when it comes to helmets.

The House bill passed on a close voice vote and needs one more affirmative vote to pass to the Senate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.