Reply #119: Dem. Montana state rep points out GOP rep's health care "freedom" bill came from ALEC

[highplainsdem]

It's still too early to know what will happen with this bill in Montana, but it's always good when Democrats point out when a bill came from ALEC, rather than originating in the state.

http://montana.watchdog.org/2011/03/17/panel-reviews-bill-prohibiting-state-from-requiring-health-care/

Panel reviews bill prohibiting state from requiring health care
By Phil Drake on March 17, 2011

HELENA – A House panel on Thursday discussed a bill that would prohibit the state from requiring people to buy health insurance coverage despite an approaching federal mandate. But some members took note that no one from the public showed up to comment and wondered if any legislation were needed at all.

-snip-

“Doesn’t that show the problem does not exist?” asked Rep. Carolyn Squires, D-Missoula. She then asked if passing the bill could cause confusion for the people who already have insurance. Squires also noted the bill was based on legislation crafted by American Legislative Exchange Council, which describes itself as “a nonpartisan membership association for conservative state lawmakers who shared a common belief in limited government, free markets, federalism, and individual liberty.”

MacLaren said the ALEC legislation has been proposed in 42 states.

The bill says the state cannot fine an employer or health care provider to participate in a health care system; an employer can pay directly for lawful health care services; and the sale of health insurance in a private health care system is not prohibited.

-snip-

Link to the text of this "Referendum on freedom to choose health insurance coverage" (short title):

http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2011/billhtml/HB0609.htm