Martinez files Virginia House bill allowing helmet mandates for minors in local jurisdictions

State Del. Marty Martinez has sponsored a bill designed to allow local governments in Virginia to mandate helmet use for minors on certain vehicles in public spaces, according to the Virginia State House.

The legislation, known as HB343, was introduced Jan. 14, 2026, during the 2026 regular session and is formally described as: “Helmets; wearing whenever riding/carried on skateboard or scooter or nonmotorized scooter.”

Below is our summary, based on the actual bill language, which includes interpretive clarification of its main points.

Essentially, the bill permits any county, city or town to pass local ordinances requiring individuals age 14 or younger to wear a Consumer Product Safety Commission-approved helmet when riding or being carried on a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, toy vehicle, motorized or nonmotorized scooter, or electric power-assisted bicycle on any highway, sidewalk or public bicycle path. Under the proposal, violators could be fined $25, but that fine would be suspended for first-time offenders or for those who obtain an approved helmet before the penalty is assessed. The bill clarifies that violations cannot be introduced as evidence of negligence, assumption of risk, or to affect damages in civil cases.

Rep. Marty Martinez (Democrat-29th District) sponsored the measure, with co-sponsors Rep. Jackie H. Glass (Democrat-93rd District) and Rep. Nadarius E. Clark (Democrat-84th District).

Martinez has also introduced 10 other bills during the current session.

Martinez holds a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University, graduating in 1986.

A Democrat, Martinez was elected to the Virginia State House in 2024, succeeding Bill Wiley in representing the 29th House district.

Under the Virginia legislative process, bills are introduced in either the House of Delegates or Senate before being reviewed by committees. If a committee approves, the proposal moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote. Both chambers must pass the bill before it is sent to the governor, who may sign, veto or allow it to become law without a signature. The Virginia General Assembly convenes every year in regular session beginning the second Monday in January. Hundreds of bills are filed during each session, but only a fraction become law.