BOISE -- The Idaho House signaled support for a state-based insurance exchange proposed by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter -- but wants added provisions some of its members say will boost legislative oversight and protect state sovereignty.
The Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday agreed to debate a bill that freshman Republican Rep. Luke Malek of Coeur d'Alene says will help alleviate concerns members in the chamber have about an Otter-backed exchange bill working its way through the Senate.
Following the measure's introduction, Otter aides said that he is supportive of the measure.
Just a single lawmaker -- Rep. John Vander Woude of Nampa -- opposed introduction of Malek's bill in Wednesday's committee.
The separate legislation in the Senate cleared that chamber's Commerce and Human Resources Committee on an 8-1 vote last week.
