BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana House scrapped its Tuesday plans to debate a bid to nullify the federal health care overhaul in Louisiana. Instead, lawmakers will take up the measure later in the session.
The proposal by Rep. Kirk Talbot declares no one can be mandated to pay a penalty if they don't have insurance or be required to participate in a health care system. The bill is backed by Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal and is modeled after legislation pending in more than 30 states.
Supporters say the proposal asserts Louisiana's rights under state sovereignty provisions in the U.S. Constitution. Opponents say Louisiana already is fighting the health legislation in court and doesn't need Talbot's bill.
The constitutional change needs support from two-thirds of the House and Senate and a majority of voters to pass.


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