Helmet Law Repeal Awaiting Governor's Pen

A very old battle in Lansing may be coming to an end as legislation repealing the mandatory helmet law received final passage in the Senate Wednesday and is bound for Governor Rick Snyder’s desk. Senate Bill 291 is sponsored by Senator Phil Pavlov (R-St. Claire Shores).

While the Governor had reportedly hoped the issue would be included in the larger insurance reform debate, the Legislature (or at least a majority of it) determined the issue should not wait and moved the bill to the Governor.

In an interesting and seldom seen procedural twist, the Senate had to reconsider a vote twice – something Senate rules do now allow, therefore, requiring suspension of the rules. Advocates for increased insurance coverage minimums for those choosing to ride without a helmet originally won passage on a floor amendment increasing the $20,000 minimum in the House-passed version to $100,000. The 22-15 vote was reconsidered, three Republicans changed their votes, and the amendment passed again – this time 19-18. Following the suspension of the rules and the second reconsideration of the vote, the amendment failed 18-19.

The final vote on the measure was 24 – 14 with 7 of the “yes” votes coming from Democrats and 17 coming from Republicans.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, March 30, 2012 10:41 AM
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