Pa. Senate GOP Pursue Statement On Health Care Law

Associated Press

Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled Senate is advancing legislation for a constitutional amendment that would prevent Pennsylvania from enacting a law that requires someone to buy health insurance, or punishes them for not doing so.

The bill passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday and could get a vote later this week in the full chamber.

The sponsor, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, says the bill is designed to make a statement in opposition to President Barack Obama’s signature federal health care law. It wouldn’t have a practical effect on the federal law.

A state constitutional amendment must be approved by both the House and Senate in two consecutive two-year sessions and then get approval from the state’s voters. The earliest the provision could appear on a ballot is next year.

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