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The full Florida Senate today passed a 2012 ballot issue offered in response to President Barack Obama’s federal health care overhaul. In a strong signal to Washington, the HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT was the first bill passed by the Senate in the 2011 session.  The proposed state constitutional amendment (SJR 2) is sponsored by Senate President Mike Haridopolos of Merritt Island.  Haridopolos is planning a run for the Republican nomination to oppose Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson next year.  The measure is aimed at blocking a federal requirement for most people to get insurance coverage. The Legislature passed a similar amendment last year, but the Florida Supreme Court removed it from the ballot because its summary was inaccurate and misleading.

“This proposed constitutional amendment is about an individual’s right to make his own health care decisions without interference from the federal government,” said Senate President Haridopolos in a press release. “It also sends a message to Washington D.C. that its one-size-fits-all approach to health care doesn’t work.  I’m thankful for the support of my Republican colleagues on this constitutional amendment. We believe in patient-centered, not government-centered health care. After approval from the House of Representatives, Floridians will have the opportunity to decide for themselves at the ballot box.”  The proposed constitutional amendment allows Floridians to opt-out of the federal mandate requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance and instead focuses on the relationship between the patient and their health care provider.  Meanwhile, the House companion (HB1) has not been heard in any committee yet. Once approved by the Florida House, the proposed amendment will be placed on the ballot in 2012 and must pass with 60% of the vote to be placed into the state constitution.

Link to bill:  http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/0002/BillText/c1/PDF