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Nebraska helmet law repeal bill needs another kick.

Thu, 02/04/2010 - 03:55 — jan

The Helmet Law Repeal Bill, LB 200, can be found at:
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=6840

It was puttering but still needs one more good kick to keep it running.

The original bill called for:

  • LB 200 repeals the motorcycle helmet requirement for riders at least twenty-one years old.
  • The bill requires eye protection for a motorcycle rider, which shall be glasses, a protective face shield, goggles, or a windshield on the motorcycle.
  • A person who is at least 21 years of age is exempt from the helmet requirement. In addition, a 15-21 year old is exempt if he or she completes a motorcycle safety course and carries proof of completion.
  • The bill makes enforcement of this section a secondary action.
  • A person exempt from the helmet requirement shall have "helmet not required" printed on the face of his or her license.

    Then, the legislators amended the bill to add provisions for health insurance coverage, including a $1,000,000 long term disability insurance coverage. Later, they found out that the kind of insurance they were seeking is not even available.

    jan's two cents: The fabled "DOT Approved Helmets", like unicorns, are not available either but that never stopped them before. I do like secondary better than a primary enforcement action. I don't like asking legislators to force motorcyclists to take mandatory courses. I don't like asking legislators to discriminate against anyone old enough for the military. I don't like asking legislators to force any insurance requirements onto motorcyclists that they do not force onto all motorists. Violations would be a misdemeanor, which is harsh compared to infractions. Any time an MRO asks legislators to discriminate against bikers or offers compromises which discriminates against bikers, they are not doing the job of an MRO.

    News sources in Nebraska are saying such things as:

    Neb. helmet repeal crashes, but it may recover
    http://www.beatricedailysun.com/articles/2010/02/03/ap-state-ne/ne_xgr_h...

    Helmet law repeal crashes
    http://www.omaha.com/article/20100203/NEWS01/702039941

    Nebraska motorcycle helmet repeal on hold
    http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_2fb3f952-110...

    • Nebraska offers Compromises on Repeal Bill ›