SAFETY HELMETS AS NEGLIGENCE

SB 312 eliminates a legal protection that previously prevented motorcycle riders (and passengers under 18) from being considered negligent for not wearing a helmet. The bill amends New Mexico law to remove the provision stating that "failure to wear a safety helmet shall not constitute contributory negligence," meaning riders who don't wear helmets could now be held partially responsible in accident lawsuits. It also repeals two existing sections (32A-24-5 and 66-3-1010.4) that contained similar protections. This change directly affects motorcycle operators and passengers under 18, who must still wear helmets under the law, but now face potential legal consequences for non-compliance.