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Deal Signs Health Care Compact Bill into Law

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal has signed legislation that would have Georgia join a proposed interstate health care compact, seen as a snub of the federal health law.

The law would allow Georgia to create alliances with other states on health care. Compact bills have been popping up in several states, pushed by tea party groups as part of a national states' rights push.

Democrats say the law simply tries to defy President Barack Obama and his federal health reform law.

Supporters say it's in line with Obama's challenge to states to demonstrate they have a better plan.

Lawmakers failed to pass another law that would set up a health care exchange under the federal health law, which Georgia and other states are challenging in court.