LANSING  (WKZO) --    Once again the state legislature has approved a bill that would lift the state’s requirement that motorcycle riders wear helmets, and once again it’s up to the Governor to decide whether to sign it.  Rick Snyder has said in the past that he might sign it if it was part of a rewrite of the state’s no-fault insurance law.  This bill is not. Sen. Dave Hildebrand says it’s a matter of personal choice.

But most doctors say it’s a bad choice with serious consequences. Not only would it mean more deaths and serious injuries, but more costs to healthcare and the insurance industry, that everyone would have to pay.

This latest version of the legislation would only permit riders over 21 to go ‘topless’ if they carry at least a $20-thousand dollar insurance rider.   Critics say a severely injured motorcycle crash victim will cost an insurer a lot more than $20,000 to treat, raising insurance rates statewide to cover the gap.  Supporters say it will make the state more attractive to motorcycle riding tourists.