LOXAHATCHEE - Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law today a bill that would require children younger than 16 to wear a helmet while riding on public roads.

The bill, nicknamed Nicole's law, was introduced by local leaders after Nicole Hornstein, 12, died after falling off her horse in June of 2006. After the accident she was in a coma for 20 days.

She wasn't wearing a helmet.

Since then her father Gary Hornstein made it his mission to prevent other children from suffering from the same fate.

Under the bill (HB 169), any person who allowed a child to ride a horse without a helmet would be fined $500.

Along the way Gary has recruited many supporters such as State Sen. Dave Aronberg, State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo and Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto.

Last year Wellington passed an ordinance requiring equine riders younger than 16 years of age to wear a helmet while riding on public property. Parents of violators can be issued a $25 fine.

"We passed an ordinance in the village of Wellington because of our equestrian activities and in hopes that the state of Florida would make it a law throughout the state," said Councilwoman Benacquisto. "It was important to set an example in our community."

She said many local communities have passed resolutions supporting a statewide law.

Meanwhile Aronberg introduced statewide legislation last year that would require riders under the age of 16 to wear helmets. Similar legislation passed the House of Representatives, but never made it before the full senate. He introduced the legislation again this year in the senate while State Rep. Abruzzo introduced it in the house.

"The victim lived in my district. I wanted to protect others like her.
We have a mandate for children to wear a helmet riding a bike why not the same mandate for children riding a horse?" Aronberg asked. "We're just talking about public lands and we're trying to make the law as unintrusive as possible. This is a matter of safety. It will save lives."

Jason Parsley can be reached at jeparsley@tribune.com.