ATLANTA (Mar. 31, 2010) – State Sen. Judson Hill’s (R-Marietta) legislation protecting Georgia’s current rights on health care choice continues its momentum through the Georgia General Assembly Wednesday. Senate Bill 317, approved by the House Health and Human Services Committee after passing the Senate last week, would prohibit mandatory participation in any healthcare system.
“This bill simply protects the basic rights of choice that we all currently enjoy today by not allowing the federal government to force an unconstitutional mandate on Georgia’s citizens or punish anyone for not buying heath insurance,” said Hill. “Each person should have the right to purchase private health care, purchase government health care, or exercise their right not to purchase any health care at all, and this legislation shields us from unwanted and unnecessary federal involvement in our health care decisions.”
Georgia’s citizens would be protected from being forced into government-run health care under Hill’s measure. Existing private and government programs would not be affected by this legislation. Hill told committee members this measure also prohibits any government from punishing an individual or business that does not participate in such a health plan, as well as protect health care providers from being forced to perform mandated medical procedures.
SB 317 now heads to the House Rules Committee before being heard before the entire House for final passage.
Sen. Judson Hill serves as Chairman of Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee and the Republican Caucus Vice Chairman. He represents the 32nd Senate District which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0150 or by e-mail at judson.hill@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 31, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028