Legislation that would require children under the age of 12 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle is on its way to the state Senate. House Bill 52 passed the state House Friday by a 77-5 vote.
HB 52 — known as "TJ's Bill" — is sponsored by Republican state Representative Regina Huff of Williamsburg and named after a seven-year old who suffered a traumatic brain injury when he fell off his bicycle in 2010. Huff said on the House floor Friday that traumatic brain injuries like the one suffered by TJ could be prevented with a helmet requirement, adding that helmets are more than 84 percent effective at preventing brain injuries.
HB 52 would not fine someone if a child does not wear a helmet. The bill was amended by the House to clarify that violations would not be subject to fines if the bill becomes law.
The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
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