COLUMBIA -- A Spartanburg Republican is hoping South Carolina will follow Arizona’s lead and pass legislation to block changes that would occur if President Obama and congressional Democrats succeed in passing health care reform.

But Rachel Morgan, a registered nurse and senior health policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said it’s too early to say what opt-out measures states would have at their disposal.

“Federal law preempts state, so they (states) can do whatever the bill says they can do,” she said.

Lawmakers met today for an emergency session to pass a bill to allow nearly 7,000 people to collect unemployment benefits. The House passed a bill to do so, 113-0, and is expected to send the legislation to the Senate Wednesday.

During today's session, Sen. Lee Bright, R-Roebuck, said he plans to pre-file a bill to counter federal health care reform mandates, should they be approved.

“I do believe that all these things are going to damage our health care beyond repair,” said Bright, adding that, “Many folks here have seen the reports.”

“I know that health care may be little more expensive than some people think it should be, and I agree there are things we can to do to make health care better.”

But he said the federal government, “who is the biggest waster of tax dollars maybe in the history of the world,” should not have control of our health care system.

Morgan said legislators from around the country are asking the NCSL questions about pending health care changes.

“Most of the states aren’t doing anything yet because they don’t know what they have to do to opt out,” she said. “So the details aren’t out yet.”

Arizona lawmakers approved a resolution that places the question of health care on next year’s November ballot.

Such state actions are typically seen as symbolic protests, which sometimes lead to court battles.

Under Arizona’s Healthcare Freedom Act voters will decide on a constitutional amendment, based on the premise that “There’s no place for the government between the patient and the doctor,” said Becky Blackburn, a staff member for the Ariz. House of Representatives.

Reach Sarita Chourey at sarita.chourey@morris.com or (803) 727-4257.