Health bill passes

COEUR d'ALENE - All it needs now is Gov. Butch Otter's signature.

The Idaho Health Freedom Act passed the Senate Tuesday evening, meaning the bill banning federal requirements mandating that all individuals and businesses purchase health insurance only needs the governor's signature before becoming law.

The soon-to-be rule wouldn't prohibit Idahoans from participating in federal health insurance programs, should it be overhauled. It only ensures citizens the right to choose whether they want to or not.

"This Act simply protects a person's right to participate," said Rep. Jim Clark, who drafted House Bill 391 with constituents Lynn Luker, R-Boise, and Raul Labrador, R-Eagle. "The Idaho Health Freedom Act is not a nullification of a federal law. If federal legislation is enacted, individuals would still have the option to participate in federal health insurance programs."

The bill also prohibits fines or penalties on the person who decides not to participate, and requires the state's attorney general to go to court to fight any such requirements.

The Senate voted 24-10 in favor, with three Republicans joining all the Democrats against it.

Earlier, it passed the House on a 52-18, straight party-line vote with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against.

Clark said other states "all over the map" are considering similar bills.

Opponents voiced concerns about possible legal costs in court.

Others pointed to an Idaho Attorney General's opinion saying the bill would require Idaho to go to court to defend foreign workers like professors at state universities against federal deportation attempts, if the workers allow visa conditions on health insurance to lapse.