government
Virginia adopts anti-mandate bill
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted March 1, 2010
The Virginia House on Feb. 12 voted 67-29 to adopt a bill prohibiting residents from being required to buy health insurance or pay a penalty for not doing so -- key provisions of Democrats' federal health reform bills.
The Virginia Senate had adopted the measure on Feb. 1; Gov. Bob McDonnell was expected to sign it. The state becomes the first to block health insurance purchasing mandates, though Arizona voters will consider a similar constitutional amendment in November. Some constitutional experts have said such state laws could not negate a federal mandate.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/03/01/gvbf0301.htm.












