The state Senate has passed a bill that would block the federal requirement that everyone have health insurance or face a penalty. The measure passed easily by 30 to 18 today. Republican Senator Austin Allran of Hickory says the measure accomplishes three things-first, it says people in North Carolina should not be required to have a health insurance policy or be a member of a health care plan.
"The second thing it does it says an individual has standing to sue if aggrieved by such a law and they can sue in the form of a private right of action. And the third thing the bill says is that the attorney general is required to bring an action to enforce the bill."
North Carolina's attorney general, Roy Cooper, hasn't commented on the measure. The bill will go back to the House for further action and is expected to arrive at the governor's office within days.
