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House passes bill repealing motorcyclists' helmet requirement law

April 29, 2004
By: Almitra Smith and Gaurav Ghose
State Capital Bureau

Missourians over 21 would no longer have to wear a motorcycle helmet under a bill passed by the House.

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Representative Wayne Cooper, a licensed doctor came out against the bill.

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Contents: "From 1981 to 1987 I was an emergency room physician and I saw many cases of head injury brought in from interstate highways of people who were not wearing motorcycle helmets and who ended up in long-term rehab facilities."

But supporters of the bill argue people should have the freedom to decide whether to wear a helmet.

The bill now heads to the Senate.

From the state Capitol, I am Almitra Smith.

Motorcyclists 21 or older who don't like to wear helmets may get their wish under a bill passed by the House. Almitra Smith has more from the state Capitol.

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Sponsor of the bill, Representative Larry Crawford syas motorcyclists should have the choice whether or not to wear a helmet.

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Contents: "We do pass laws to protect people and we do protect laws to prohibit activities by some citizens that make it dangerous to someone else. The freedom and liberty are that we are able to choose-choose things that may be good for us, they may not be good for us."

But opponents of repealing the helmet law argue that more motocyclists will suffer serious head injuries.

The fate of the bill now rests with the Senate.

From the state Capitol, I am Almitra Smith.