The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that reaffirms Congress’ intention to continue to prohibit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) from lobbying state legislators on issues involving motorcycle safety. 

The ban, which has existed since 1995, prevents NHSTA from using tax dollars to try to convince states to adopt regulations upon motorcyclists including mandatory motorcycle helmet laws.

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations said, “Lifting the ban on NHSTA lobbying would have given Washington bureaucrats free rein to spend taxpayer money to lobby states and legislators to create laws that infringe on our rights as motorcyclists.” See story here.

The U.S. Senate is considering a similar version of the bill. According to the article the AMA believes adults should have the right to choose whether to wear a helmet or not.