Expressing opposition to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The resolution claims that the ACA oversteps federal authority, particularly through mandates requiring all citizens and legal residents to obtain qualifying health coverage or face tax penalties. This federal mandate is seen as a violation of the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states or the people. The bill suggests that the ACA's requirements may impose significant financial burdens on Texas taxpayers, potentially costing the state $24.3 billion over ten years due to increased Medicaid enrollment and shifting administrative responsibilities.
HCR27 is a concurrent resolution expressing the opposition of the Texas Legislature to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed by Congress on March 21, 2010. The resolution articulates that the regulation and oversight of the health insurance market should be the province of state governments rather than the federal government, emphasizing historical precedence in local control of such matters. Proponents of the bill argue that state legislatures possess a direct understanding of market conditions and local needs that allows them to respond effectively to constituents.
HCR27 frames the ACA as not only unconstitutional but also detrimental to the economic stability of the nation by contributing to the existing national debt. The resolution advocates for the notion of state sovereignty, arguing that states should have the autonomy to regulate healthcare without federal intervention. This perspective raises notable contention among advocates who support federal healthcare reforms, arguing that the ACA aims to improve access and affordability of healthcare at a national level, which may be undermined by resolutions such as HCR27.