COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill legalizing the use of earplugs by motorcyclists.

House Bill 129 specifies bikers also could wear earphones while riding, but only if they’re used for hearing protection, and not entertainment. The Ohio House unanimously approved HB129 last June. The bill now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk for his signature.

The change is backed by American Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Ohio, a motorcycle advocacy group. The group’s board members testified in favor of the change, saying it would help motorcyclists protect their hearing. No one testified in opposition during multiple Statehouse committee hearings.

The bill’s sponsor is State Rep. Riordan McClain, an Upper Sandusky Republican. He’s said earplugs can protect bikers from the effects of constant wind noise while still allowing them to hear car horns, emergency vehicle sirens and other loud noises while riding.

Sen. Rob McColley, a Northwest Ohio Republican who chairs the Senate transportation committee, said similar bills have been introduced in recent years, but failed to make it through the legislative process.

“We’re glad to bring it across the finish line here," he said. "In all reality, this is something that many of us would believe to be common sense.”