North Carolina House Rejects Senate-Backed Moped Bill

The North Carolina House has rejected a Senate version of a bill creating new regulations for mopeds.

The House voted 51-54 Thursday against concurring on a bill that would have required insurance and registration with the state for mopeds.

The insurance requirement has been a sticking point between the two chambers. The House version only mandates that mopeds be registered.

Onslow County Republican Rep. Philip Shepard said moped drivers should take responsibility for their vehicles, adding that insurance was necessary so innocent drivers don’t have to pay for damages in accidents.

But other lawmakers said the insurance provision would hurt low-income workers and could prevent them from getting to work.

The bill will now go to a conference committee for a compromise.