The bill was quickly killed by a legislative committee amid the overwhelming opposition.
Dozens of motorcyclists argued they should be allowed to choose whether they want to wear a helmet, as they currently do under state law.
Hospital groups and others argued that costly head injuries from motorcycle crashes could be prevented with a mandatory helmet law. Taxpayers often have to pick up the tab for the expensive care.
"We are the ones who pay for their choice not to wear a helmet," said sponsor Rep. Ron Erickson, D-Missoula.
The measure would have levied a $50 fine on those caught without a helmet.
Hospital and health groups said the evidence is clear that their costs and those of emergency medical responders increase when a motorcyclist crashes while not wearing a helmet.
"Odds are that if that person survives, he or she will suffer a traumatic head or spinal injury," said Mike Foster, speaking on behalf of a number of state hospitals.
Opponents of the mandatory helmet law said the helmets can restrict vision and hearing, and create unsafe situations. They should be allowed to decide individually, based upon the riding situation.
"It's an issue of freedom," said Sen. John Brueggeman, R-Polson.
An amendment that would have allowed those with at least $100,000 medical insurance to ride without helmets, while forcing the rest to wear a helmet, was shot down before the bill was tabled.
Supporters said that change would have protected taxpayers from the big cost of caring for crash victims while allowing those who wanted to ride without a helmet.
The measure was tabled with a 15-2 vote.
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