BOISE, Idaho (AP) The Idaho House signaled support for a state-based insurance exchange proposed by Gov. C.L. ``Butch'' Otter but wants added provisions some of its members say will boost legislative oversight and protect state sovereignty. The Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday agreed to debate a bill that freshman Republican Rep. Luke Malek of Coeur d'Alene says will help alleviate concerns members in the chamber have about an Otter-backed exchange bill working its way through the Senate. Following the measure's introduction, Otter aides said that he is supportive of the measure. Just a single lawmaker Rep. John Vander Woude of Nampa opposed introduction of Malek's bill in Wednesday's committee. The separate legislation in the Senate cleared that chamber's Commerce and Human Resources Committee on an 8-1 vote last week.

Members of the group come from all regions of the state. They are: Reps. Luke Malek, of Coeur d'Alene; Neil Anderson of Blackfoot; Wendy Horman of Idaho Falls; Kelley Packer of McCammon; Cindy Agidius of Moscow; Rick Youngblood of Nampa; Ed Morse of Hayden; Brandon Hixon of Nampa; Lance Clow of Twin Falls; Robert Anderst of Nampa; Thomas Dayley of Boise; Clark Kauffman of Filer; Steve Miller of Fairfield; Julie Van Orden of Pingree; Paul Romrell of St. Anthony; and Doug Hancey of Rexburg.