New version of health care nullification bill clears House committee, but prospects uncertain

The House State Affairs Committee this morning voted along party lines, with just the committee’s Democrats objecting, in favor of HB 298, the latest version of legislation to nullify, or declare unconstitutional and bar for one year from taking effect in Idaho, the federal health care reform legislation. An earlier version passed the House despite Idaho attorney general’s opinions stating it was unconstitutional, but died in a Senate committee.

Committee Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, said, “It’s been watered down an awful lot, and probably it’s more likely to sell.” But, he said, “I don’t know that the Senate will even take it up.”