GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1999

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 1396

Short Title:  Health Care Fundamental Right.	(Public)

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Sponsors: Representatives Insko; Alexander, Wright (Primary Sponsors) and Luebke.

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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

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April 29, 1999

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NORTH CAROLINA TO RECOGNIZE THE RIGHT TO HEALTH CARE.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  Article I of the Constitution is amended by adding a new section to read:
“Sec. 37. Health care.  Health care is an essential safeguard of human life and dignity, and there is an obligation for the State to ensure that every resident is able to realize this fundamental right.  No later than May 31, 2004, the General Assembly shall provide by law a plan for universal health insurance that permits everyone in the State to obtain decent health care on a regular basis."
Section 2.  The amendment set out in Section 1 of this act shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the State at the general election in November 2000, which election shall be conducted under the laws then governing elections in the State. Ballots, voting systems, or both may be used in accordance with Chapter 163 of the General Statutes.  The question to be used in the voting systems and ballots shall be:
"[ ] FOR    [ ] AGAINST
Constitutional amendment providing that health care is a fundamental right."
Section 3.  If a majority of the votes cast on the question are in favor of the amendment set out in Section 1 of this act, the State Board of Elections shall certify the amendment to the Secretary of State.  The amendment becomes effective upon this certification.  The Secretary of State shall enroll the amendment so certified among the permanent records of that office.
Section 4.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the State Board of Elections for the 2000-2001 fiscal year the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) to implement this act.
Section 5.  This act is effective when it becomes law.