DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Hollis HB No. 889
Abstract: Establishes a fund to educate Louisiana citizens on ways to opt out of the Affordable
Care Act, also known as "Obamacare".
Proposed law provides for the Louisiana Health Care Independence Act. Provides that the
purpose of proposed law is to support efforts to educate La. citizens on ways by which they may
opt out of the requirements set forth in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also
known as "Obamacare".
Proposed law creates the Louisiana Health Care Independence Fund, referred to hereafter as the
"fund", as a special fund in the state treasury. Provides that the source of monies for the fund
may include but shall not be limited to any appropriation by the legislature, including federal
funds; any public or private donations, gifts, or grants from individuals, corporations, nonprofit
organizations, or other business entities; and any other monies which may be provided by law.
Proposed law establishes a governance board for the fund, referred to hereafter as the "board".
Provides that the board shall be composed of seven members as follows:
(1)Three members appointed by the governor, at least one of whom shall be a representative
of a nonprofit economic development organization or statewide association of businesses
or industry.
(2)Two members appointed by the secretary of the Dept. of Health and Hospitals.
(3)Two members appointed by the commissioner of insurance.
Proposed law requires the board to promulgate rules and regulations governing the use of monies
of the fund, and to adopt policies for governance of any program or funding action that it
implements prior to initiation of the program or funding action. Provides that the use of all grant
funds shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor.
Proposed law stipulates that grants made and other funding committed pursuant to proposed law
shall be disbursed only to not-for-profit entities that provide one or more of the following:
(1)Consumer education and advocacy.
(2)Health policy research. (3)Citizen education on civil rights and liberties.
(Adds R.S. 36:259(Y) and 802.24 and R.S. 40:1300.381-1300.385)