Missouri House OKs lifting motorcycle helmet requirement

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A measure opponents say increases the risks to motorcyclists and would burden society with the costs of injuries from non-helmet-wearing riders is moving forward in the Missouri Legislature.

The Missouri House on Wednesday gave first-round approval to a measure that would allow people 21 and older to ride a motorcycle without a helmet.

Rep. Eric Burlison of Springfield said it's a matter of personal freedom, and the government should not interfere with the choice to wear a helmet.

He said adults should be allowed to make their own decisions.

A similar measure has passed the House in previous years but has not succeeded in the Senate, where it will move after another affirmative vote in the House.