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SB 195

Motorcycles - Protective Headgear Requirement - Exception (In Remembrance of Gary "Pappy" Boward)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike McKay

Maryland bill would create exception(s) to mandatory motorcycle helmet requirements, balancing rider autonomy against established injury-reduction evidence.

First Reading Judicial Proceedings
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 195

Legislative bill overview

SB 195 proposes to create an exception to Maryland's mandatory motorcycle helmet laws, likely allowing riders of a certain age or experience level to operate without protective headgear. The bill is named in remembrance of Gary "Pappy" Boward, suggesting it may be motivated by a specific case or individual's circumstances.

Why is this important

Motorcycle helmet laws directly impact public safety and healthcare costs, as head injuries represent a significant portion of motorcycle accident fatalities and injuries. This bill presents a tension between individual liberty/choice and evidence-based safety regulations that affect both riders and public resources used for trauma care.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health evidence: The CDC and NHTSA report helmets reduce head injury risk by 69% and death risk by 42%, making exceptions medically controversial
  • Equity and consistency: Creating age or experience-based exceptions may be difficult to enforce fairly and could incentivize similar exemptions for other safety equipment
  • Healthcare costs: Helmet-related injuries shift treatment burdens to emergency systems and insurance pools, raising questions about who bears the cost of choosing not to wear protective gear

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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