California Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed the state’s breast and ovarian cancer screening legislation, AB 2342. The bill passed in the California State Senate on Aug. 30, 2018.
The bill would have required healthcare service plans, health insurance providers and the Department of Health Care Services “to cover breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility screening as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force," according to the legislation.
“By creating a new crime with respect to health care service plans, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.”
In a brief veto statement shared on his website, Brown explained why he vetoed AB 2342 and four other bills.
“Each of these bills require significant, ongoing general fund commitments,” he wrote. “As such, I believe they should be considered as part of the budget process.”
Is this the final word for this bill? Technically, according to a recent analysis from the Los Angeles Times, no—but California lawmakers rarely challenge the governor’s decision.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.