BATON ROUGE (AP) — Louisiana House lawmakers are advancing a largely symbolic proposal that would establish a state objection to federal penalties for people who refuse to buy health insurance.
Republican Rep. Paul Hollis, of Covington, says his bill would express Louisiana's objection to that provision of the Affordable Care Act.
Opponents said Louisiana doesn't have legal authority to refuse to comply with federal law. When Hollis suggested that may have to be decided in court, critics said Louisiana would be wasting money to defend the legislation.
The House Insurance Committee voted 9-4 Wednesday to send the measure to the full House for debate. Committee Chairman Kirk Talbot voted for the bill, though he noted a similar provision he successfully passed in 2010 had no effect on the penalties.