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HB 3119

Requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective headgear

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Reuter

Missouri HB 3119 would require motorcycle riders and front-seat passengers to wear DOT-approved protective helmets.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#motorvehicles #roadsandhighways
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3119

Bill overview

HB 3119 (Missouri, 2026) would require motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective headgear. The legislation is currently in the early stages of consideration, with sponsor and legislative actions indicating its movement through the House.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a mandatory safety requirement for motorcycle riders and front-seat passengers to wear protective headgear.
  • Aims to reduce head injuries and fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes by ensuring riders use protective head protection.

Key provisions and changes

  • Consent and scope: Applies to both motorcycle operators (drivers) and motorcycle passengers.
  • Protective headgear mandate: Requires wearing a helmet or other approved protective headgear while operating or riding on a motorcycle.
  • Standards: Headgear likely to reference established safety standards or certification (e.g., DOT/ECE-level helmets, or state-adopted helmet standards). The bill would specify what constitutes compliant headgear.
  • Enforcement: Creates or assigns enforcement mechanisms, including potential penalties or fines for non-compliance.
  • Exemptions: The bill may outline possible exemptions (e.g., medical contraindications, certain ages, or specific riding conditions) and the process to obtain exemptions if included.
  • Domestic and interstate considerations: Addresses applicability in various riding contexts (urban, rural) and whether exemptions or nuances apply to out-of-state riders.

Note: The exact language on exemptions, penalties, and standards would be specified in the final text; the summary reflects typical components of helmet-mandate bills.

Who is affected

  • Individuals who operate motorcycles in Missouri.
  • Motorcycle passengers riding with operators.
  • Potentially, motorcycle rental or tour operators that provide vehicles to the public (to ensure compliance by customers).
  • Law enforcement officers who will enforce the headgear requirement.
  • Healthcare providers and insurers could be indirectly impacted through changes in head injury outcomes and related costs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and Read First Time: January 28, 2026.
  • Read Second Time: January 29, 2026.
  • Referred: Emerging Issues (H): May 15, 2026.
  • Status indicates the bill is in committee with potential for hearings, amendments, and floor vote before advancing to other legislative stages.
  • If enacted, the effective date (e.g., immediate, or a staged implementation) would be specified in the final bill text.

Potential impacts to consider

  • Public health and safety: Potential reduction in head injuries and fatalities from motorcycle crashes.
  • Behavior changes: Riders and passengers may adjust behavior to comply; enforcement depends on penalties and education.
  • Economic effects: Possible costs to riders for compliant headgear; potential healthcare cost implications if injuries decline.
  • Legal framework: Establishes state-wide standard for helmet use, aligning with or diverging from neighboring states.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific aspects (e.g., enforcement mechanics, exemptions, or effective date) once the final bill text is available.

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

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