MS HB1238

Requires all persons under age 18 to wear an approved helmet when operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, tricycle, or skateboard on public roads, highways, or bike paths.

Defines approved helmets as those meeting safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute, Snell Memorial Foundation (pre-March 1999), or Consumer Product Safety Commission (post-March 1999).

Makes parents, guardians, or legal custodians responsible for ensuring children wear helmets; violations result in a $25 fine issued to the adult rather than the child.

Requires bicycle, tricycle, and skateboard retailers to post a notice informing customers of the helmet requirement; violators face a $25 fine upon conviction.

Effective date: July 1, 2014.