Proposal asks state to join health care lawsuit

Proposal asks state to join health care lawsuit

STEPHEN DOCKERY,Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A bill to require the state of Montana to join a lawsuit opposing federal health care reform is being discussed in a House committee after having successfully passed through the Senate.

Senate Bill 106 would make the Montana attorney general join about two dozen other states in a Florida lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the health care overhaul.

Supporters of the proposal say it's important for the state to challenge a federal law they feel is burdensome on taxpayers and unconstitutional.

Those opposing the measure say the state should not back a politicized lawsuit against elected officials. They also argue the legality of the health care act can be questioned by individuals and putting a legislative requirement on the attorney general could violate the Montana Constitution.

HELENA — A bill to require the state of Montana to join a lawsuit opposing federal health care reform is being discussed in a House committee after having successfully passed through the Senate.

Senate Bill 106 would make the Montana attorney general join about two dozen other states in a Florida lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the health care overhaul.

Supporters of the proposal say it's important for the state to challenge a federal law they feel is burdensome on taxpayers and unconstitutional.

Those opposing the measure say the state should not back a politicized lawsuit against elected officials. They also argue the legality of the health care act can be questioned by individuals and putting a legislative requirement on the attorney general could violate the Montana Constitution.