Virginia Could Be First State to Pass Legislation to Block Health Insurance Mandate

Written by Staff | March 08, 2010

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Virginia lawmakers are expected this week to pass legislation that would prohibit health insurance mandates and would make clear that no individual can be required to obtain coverage, according to a report by the Boston Globe.

Versions of a bill that would prohibit a mandate have passed the state House and Senate and a final bill is expected to be approved by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, according to the report.

Thirty-two other states are also considering similar bills or constitutional amendments to prohibit mandates, according to the report.

If these other states follow Virginia's lead, President Obama's efforts to require insurance coverage could "unravel," according to the report. However, such legislation's actual power to prohibit a mandate is controversial, according to some constitutional law scholars, who argue that federal law has supremacy over state law.

Read the Boston Globe's report on Virginia legislation to prohibit an insurance mandate.

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