74th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2007 Regular Session
 
NOTE:  Matter within  { +  braces and plus signs + } in an
amended section is new. Matter within  { -  braces and minus
signs - } is existing law to be omitted. New sections are within
 { +  braces and plus signs + } .
 
 LC 1214
 
                           A-Engrossed
 
                    House Joint Resolution 18
                   Ordered by the House May 8
             Including House Amendments dated May 8
 
Sponsored by Representative GREENLICK, Senators BATES, MORSE,
  WESTLUND; Representatives BERGER, BUCKLEY, DINGFELDER, JENSON,
  SHIELDS
 
 
                             SUMMARY
 
The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the
measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to
consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor's
brief statement of the essential features of the measure.
 
  Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution declaring access to
health care as fundamental right of every legal resident of
Oregon and directing Legislative Assembly to adopt plan expanding
health care coverage.
  Refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or
rejection at next regular general election.
 
                        JOINT RESOLUTION
Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of
  Oregon:
  PARAGRAPH 1. The Constitution of the State of Oregon is amended
by creating a new section 46 to be added to and made a part of
Article I, such section to read:
   { +  SECTION 46. + }  { + (1) Health care is an essential
safeguard of human life and dignity and there is an obligation
for the state to ensure that every legal resident of Oregon has
access to health care as a fundamental right. The Legislative
Assembly by law shall adopt a plan that incrementally expands
health care coverage so that every legal resident of Oregon is
able to obtain effective and affordable health care on a regular
basis.
  (2) A plan adopted by the Legislative Assembly under this
section may not limit the right of residents to purchase their
own health care coverage or health care. + }
 
  PARAGRAPH 2.  { + The amendment proposed by this resolution
shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection
at the next regular general election held throughout this
state. + }
                         ----------