The law proposed by Rep. Paulette Beaudoin would extend mandatory helmet use for bikers over the age of 18.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ The latest attempt to make helmet use mandatory for all Maine motorcyclists is going before a legislative committee.

The Transportation Committee takes up Rep. Paulette Beaudoin's bill Tuesday afternoon. The Biddeford Democrat introduced a similar bill in 2009, but it was rejected.

Current law requires people under 18 years of age to wear a helmet when operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. The law also requires helmet use by those operating under a learner's permit or within one year of completing a driving test, and any passengers.

The federal government says 19 states have universal motorcycle helmet laws, which apply to everyone. In New England, they include Massachusetts and Vermont.

Maine passed a law requiring the use of helmets in 1967, but it was repealed in 1977.