The recent Tennessee Motorcycle Liberty Restoration Act could put an end to the law requiring motorcyclists ages 21 and older to wear a helmet. Helmet laws have always been a topic of controversy and with this being brought up a line has been drawn in the sand, dividing the state into 2 sides.
 

Those against the repeal are coming from a standpoint of health concern. Although Sharon Adkins, director of the Tennessee Nurses Association, feels it is an “individual's right. These individuals have to be cared for. Brain injury is a lifelong issue. The citizens of Tennessee would end up with their tax dollars supporting these individuals, so it is much more than just an individual right. It's no different than seat belts,” (Libertarians push helmet law repeal, The Tennessean,http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120220/NEWS0201/302200021/

Libertarians-push-helmet-law-repeal). 

Motorcyclists in the state really do feel that it is a personal choice to wear a helmet or not, even if they themselves chose to. Preston Shaw, a member of The Steel Horsemen Motorcycle Club, thinks “the government honestly should not legislate whether you have common sense or not,” (Libertarians push helmet law repeal, The Tennessean). Same goes for Andrew Duthie, the owner of the Nashville Motorcycle Repair, “I'm a big fan of motorcycle helmets. As far as changing the law, the libertarian in me says, hey, if someone doesn't want to wear a helmet, that's fine,” (Libertarians push helmet law repeal, The Tennessean).

This act will be discussed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 6, at a noon hearing before the House Transportation Subcommittee.