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A JOINT RESOLUTION
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proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the rights of |
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individuals to choose or decline to choose health insurance |
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coverage. |
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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by |
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adding Section 34 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 34. (a) Each individual in this state has the right to |
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choose or decline to choose health insurance coverage without |
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penalty or sanction or threat of penalty or sanction. |
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(b) A state agency, public official, employee, or political |
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subdivision of this state may not act to impose, collect, enforce, |
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or effectuate a penalty or sanction intended to punish or |
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discourage the exercise of the right described by Subsection (a) of |
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this section. |
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(c) This section may not be construed to impair any right of |
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contract related to the provision of health insurance coverage to |
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any individual or group. |
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(d) For purposes of this section, "penalty or sanction" |
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includes any civil or criminal fine, administrative penalty, |
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license suspension or revocation, suspension or revocation of the |
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authority to engage in business in this state, tax, salary or wage |
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withholding or garnishment, surcharge, or fee, or any other |
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consequence imposed to punish or discourage the exercise of rights |
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protected under Subsection (a) of this section. |
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SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be |
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submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2013. |
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The ballot shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the |
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proposition: "The constitutional amendment providing individuals |
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the right to choose or decline to choose health insurance coverage |
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without penalty or sanction or threat of penalty or sanction." |