Lawmakers have received two Idaho attorney general's opinions on nullification; the first said any attempt by state lawmakers to nullify a federal law through legislation would violate both the U.S. and Idaho constitutions and lawmakers' oath of office. The bill was revised after that, but the second opinion still said the new version likely is unconstitutional; plus, it said HB 117, if passed, could have the effect of opting Idaho out of participation in the federal Medicaid program - including receiving more than $1 billion in federal funds that now provide health care to the state's poorest and disabled residents.  

Rep. Phylis King, D-Boise, debating against the nullification bill, asked the House, "Can we risk the health care of 500,000 people?" She said, "It's one thing to campaign on misinformation and ideologies, but it's another thing to govern."