'Health Freedom Act' passes Idaho House

COEUR d'ALENE - Idaho House Republicans passed a measure meant to scuttle proposed federal health care reforms that would require residents or companies to buy insurance.

The "Health Freedom Act," passed on a 52-18 party line vote.

"We're halfway home," said Rep. Jim Clark, who drafted House Bill 391 with constituents Lynn Luker, R-Boise, and Raul Labrador, R-Eagle. "I'm glad it's over that first hurdle in the House, and it's off to the Senate now."

The measure, which divided Democrats and Republicans across the nation, now goes to the Senate.

If it's signed into law by the governor, it would give the state the right to sue the federal government over any health insurance mandates.

"It would be a terrible mistake for the state of Idaho to wait until a bill is passed," Labrador said. "If it happens and we have not addressed the issue in Idaho, then we're stuck with it."

President Barack Obama said Tuesday he's willing to start from scratch on health care reform but that both sides must give ground. He also said the final bill must meet his goals, such as ending abusive insurance industry practices, reducing costs and expanding the affordability of and access to coverage, according to Associated Press reports.

The 18 no votes all came from Democrats.

During debate on the House floor, Democratic Minority Leader John Rusche contended the measure would be premature - Congress hasn't passed any reforms, so far - and would interfere with efforts to cut costs and improve the damaged U.S. health care system.

"It's not saying no to health care reform, its the first step in saying yes to Idahoans," said Clark, a Hayden Lake Republican. "We can't have health care where one-size fits all."

Similar measures are up for consideration in three dozen other states.

Idaho's version would also give Gov. Butch Otter the legal backing to follow through with his recent threats of lawsuits over health care.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.