VirginiaHB3432026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Helmets; wearing whenever riding/carried on skateboard or scooter or nonmotorized scooter.

Sponsored By: Marty Martinez (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Helmets; local authority. Permits localities to adopt ordinances requiring children 14 years of age or younger to wear protective helmets whenever riding or being carried on a motorized skateboard or scooter or a nonmotorized scooter. Current law authorizes localities to adopt such ordinances for riders of bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, toy vehicles, and electric power-assisted bicycles.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Helmet violations not used in lawsuits

A violation of a local helmet ordinance is not negligence or assumption of risk. Courts may not use it to reduce damages. It is not admissible as evidence, and lawyers may not comment on it. This applies to cases about bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, toy vehicles, motorized skateboards or scooters, nonmotorized scooters, and electric power-assisted bicycles. Other civil law rules stay the same.

Local helmet rules for kids and fines

Counties, cities, and towns can adopt a helmet rule for kids. If your locality adopts one, every person age 14 or younger must wear a helmet. The helmet must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard. It applies when the child rides or is carried. Covered devices include bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, toy vehicles, motorized skateboards or scooters, nonmotorized scooters, and electric power-assisted bicycles. It covers riding on highways, sidewalks, and public bike paths. The fine for breaking the rule is $25 per violation. The fine is suspended for a first offense, or after buying a required helmet before the fine is imposed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marty Martinez

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 45

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 21 • No: 19

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 8 • No: 4 • Other: 1

House vote 1/28/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 75 • No: 22

House vote 1/22/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 1/21/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0114)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 114 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/14/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026House
  5. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB343ER)

    3/10/2026House
  6. Enrolled

    3/10/2026House
  7. Signed by President

    3/10/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    3/10/2026House
  9. Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026Senate
  10. Read third time

    3/3/2026Senate
  11. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/2/2026Senate
  12. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  13. Rules suspended

    3/2/2026Senate
  14. Senate committee offered

    2/27/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Transportation (8-Y 4-N 1-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  16. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    1/29/2026Senate
  17. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    1/29/2026Senate
  18. Read third time and passed House (75-Y 22-N 0-A)

    1/28/2026House
  19. Read second time and engrossed

    1/27/2026House
  20. Moved from Uncontested Calendar to Regular Calendar

    1/27/2026House
  21. Read first time

    1/26/2026House
  22. Reported from Transportation (21-Y 0-N)

    1/22/2026House
  23. Subcommittee recommends reporting (9-Y 0-N)

    1/21/2026House
  24. Assigned HTRAN sub: Highway Safety and Policy

    1/19/2026House
  25. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    1/12/2026House

Bill Text

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