Nebraska could join growing number of states trying to challenge health insurance proposal

Neb. lawmaker tries to challenge health proposal

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska could become one of several states challenging a provision in the federal health care reform package that would assess penalties against people who didn’t obtain health insurance.

A proposed amendment to the Nebraska Constitution introduced to the Legislature on Wednesday would bar the state from forcing people to buy insurance or fine people for not obtaining insurance.

Sen. Beau McCoy of Omaha introduced the measure. He concedes that it would not trump federal law. But McCoy says it could help set up a federal court challenge of such a law.

Including Nebraska, lawmakers in almost 30 states have introduced or plan to introduce similar legislation.