Senate panel backs exchange bill, 8-1

The Senate Commerce Committee has overwhelmingly approved HB 248, the governor’s state insurance exchange bill. Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, moved to approve the bill, sending it to the full Senate with a recommendation that it “do pass.” “I believe that our only option is this option, and I cannot in good conscience acquiesce to the federal government on those decisions,” Cameron said. “I am convinced that if the state does not act, the federal government will act.” He added, “I think we are more at risk that abortion would be covered under a federal exchange than under a state exchange.” Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, seconded the motion.

Sen. Branden Durst, D-Boise, offered a substitute motion to send the bill to the 14 ^th Order for amendments to add a limit on fees, but his motion died for lack of a second. The committee then voted 8-1 in favor of the original motion, with only Durst objecting. That’s the same vote by which the same committee passed the earlier version of the bill, SB 1042.