Northeast Missouri lawmakers generally favor a proposal to let most motorcycle riders go without helmets.

Jim Hansen of Frankford, Randy Pietzman of Troy, Jay Houghton of Martinsburg and Nate Walker of Kirksville voted for the measure, which passed overwhelmingly. Lindell Shumake of Hannibal opposed it and Craig Redmon of Canton did not vote.

The proposal now goes to the Senate. It would allow riders 21 and older to decide on wearing head protection. They would also have to hold insurance that pays at least 50 thousand dollars for injuries from a crash.

Missouri is one of 19 states that currently require a helmet for all riders. Twenty-four others have limited age-related helmet laws, but Illinois and Iowa have no requirements.