This year, with the state's financial woes at the top of virtually everyone's agenda, the [William Donald Schaefer] administration made its case for a helmet law largely on economic grounds. It produced data showing that Maryland taxpayers are paying $3 million a year to cover hospital costs for uninsured motorcyclists. Administration officials also said failure to adopt a helmet law would cost the state a chance to collect up to $1.4 million in federal highway matching funds over three years.

[Debbie Lough] said supporters of the legislation exaggerated the costs of not having a helmet law. Many motorcyclists still think they should have the right to choose whether to wear a helmet, Lough said, but will comply with the new requirement.

LaMotte and others demanded a show of hands; Guns refused to call one. LaMotte stalked out, telling Guns, "If you want to ram this thing down everyone's throats, then go ahead."