Existing federal law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, beginning in 2014, requires most individuals to maintain minimum essential health care coverage or pay a penalty.

This measure would amend the California Constitution to prohibit a federal, state, or local law or rule from compelling a person or business to participate in a health care system, as defined; imposing penalties or fines, as defined, for failure to maintain coverage; or prohibiting the sale or purchase of health care or health insurance, subject to specified exceptions.