Mich. Coalition Plans News Conference Urging Veto of Helmet Bill Repeal

The Heads First Coalition, a group representing the medical community, traffic safety and insurance industry organizations in Michigan, will hold a press conference to respond to the legislature’s approval of SB 297 on Thursday, June 22 at 11 a.m. in the Rotunda of the State Capitol building in Lansing.

SB 297, approved by the state legislature, would repeal the state’s 37-year-old mandatory helmet law. The bill now sits on Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm’s desk.

According to the Governor’s spokesperson, the deadline for action on the bill is June 30. “No action is expected before next week,” the spokeswoman told the Insurance Journal.

The Governor’s office did not indicate whether she would veto or sign the bill. However, earlier news accounts suggest that the Governor does not support the repeal.

The Coalition said it will present information about the costs that repeal of the motorcycle helmet law will have on Michigan residents. This legislative action, unless vetoed, will result in at least 22 additional fatalities and more than 700 additional injuries each year, according the written release issued by the group.

Some of the insurance companies involved in the coalition include AAA-Michigan, Allstate, State Farm, GMAC, Progressive and Farmers Insurance.

Source: The Heads First Coalition

Web site: http://www.aaa.com/