JEFFERSON CITY - A Senate panel is considering four bills that would change Missouri's laws on texting while driving, seatbelts and motorcycle helmets.
One bill reviewed in a hearing Wednesday would require everyone in a car to wear a seatbelt, including adults in the backseat who are currently exempt from seatbelt requirements.
Two other proposals would ban texting while driving, which currently is forbidden for commercial drivers and people younger than 22.
Another bill would allow motorcycle riders older than 21 who have health insurance to ride without a helmet.
Lawmakers from both parties framed the debate as whether the state should legislate personal responsibility. A bipartisan group of senators said the laws could save lives and money.
Skeptics said education would be a better way to achieve those goals.