Beginning on page 1, line 5, strike all of section 1 and insert the following:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  "(1) The legislature finds that:

(a) The federal government passed the tax cuts and jobs act, which reduces all penalties for failing to maintain minimum essential health care coverage to zero;

(b) Maintaining minimum essential health care coverage is an integral part of stabilizing the individual health insurance market in the state and ensuring Washington residents have access to affordable health coverage; and

(c) In the 1990s, Washington's individual health insurance market collapsed, partially as a result of revoking the state requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage.

(2) It is therefore the intent of the legislature to avoid another collapse of the individual market by proactively exploring options on implementing and enforcing a state-level requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage."

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "to" strike the remainder of the title and insert "exploring enforcement of a requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW, creating a new section; and providing an expiration date."

EFFECT: Removes requirements that an individual maintain minimum essential health coverage. Adds an intent section.