The Louisiana House Transportation committee Tuesday approved legislation that would repeal the state's mandatory motorcyle helmet law.
It calls for riders to take a safety training course to get their motorcycle license, and it allows helmets to be optional for those who are 18 and older.
The former executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Jim Champagne, spoke out against the bill.
"I believe in education, I believe in training, that's absolutely manditory," said Champagne. "But I also believe in helmets that's necessary to provide for the protection of the public."
Supporters say adequate training would save more lives than helmets would.
