Senate Judiciary II Committee debated HB 2: Protect Health Care Freedom this morning.
At the beginning of the meeting it was explained that the bill is in the Judiciary Committee and not the Health Care Committee because it is a legal issue. The Federal Affordable Health Care Act that was passed infringes on the rights of patients- their right to choose to have health insurance.
The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Stam introduced the bill and explained the two purposes of the bill. First to put NC on the side of the other 27 states which have signed onto Florida?s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal bill and then to protect free citizens from being forced to have health insurance. Stam asked the Senators as they voted on the bill to consider if they were children or citizens?
Questions that arose in the Committee were many of the same ones that had been addressed on the House floor last week when the House voted on the measure, including the role and support of the Attorney General. Stam assured the members that the AG will abide by his oath of office and will argue the case if HB 2 passes.
The fiscal note was also addressed and it was pointed out that the cost to NC would be minimal if HB 2 passes and NC joins the lawsuit with Florida. All that is required of NC to join is mailing a letter- Stam said he would pay for the stamp and even write the letter if the AG wanted. Florida is not requiring any cost sharing from the others states that have and will join the suit. If another state wants to contribute they can but only up to $5,000.
The committee did not vote on the bill but are hoping to at the next meeting.
