March 16, 2010

The Associated Press (AP) reported that Virginia's General Assembly became the first in the nation to approve legislation banning mandatory health insurance.

The legislation (HB 10) was approved by the Virginia House of Delegates by 80-17 votes on Wednesday, March 10.

The AP reports "The vote sends the measure to Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell who intends to sign it. Thirty-four other state legislatures have either filed or proposed similar measures — statutes or constitutional amendments — rejecting health insurance mandates, according to the American Legislative Exchange Council."

Source: "Va OKs 1st Bill Banning Mandated Health Coverage," by Bob Lewis, Associated Press, March 11, 2010.

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