Those pushing to repeal Nebraska’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law fell short of the votes needed to overcome a filibuster, once again.

Sponsor, Senator John Lowe of Kearney, says he thought he had the votes needed Monday, but fell short when the legislature returned to debate Wednesday

Senator Robert Hilkemann of Omaha led the filibuster against Lowe’s bill. He insists the safety argument won the day.

A vote to end the filibuster and go to a vote on the bill was three votes short of the total needed. The bill appears dead for the session.