Arizona voters in November overwhelmingly passed a measure designed to reduce interest rates on medical debt, but a judge has temporarily halted the measure from taking full effect, the Arizona Republic reported Dec. 8.
The measure is being challenged by opponents who argue that the ballot initiative is unclear about whether its provisions will apply to old debts or only to those that occur after it has taken effect, according to the report.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge John Blanchard signed a temporary restraining order preventing cases from an action incurred before Dec. 5 that have not gone to collections yet from receiving protections under the measure, according to the report. Debts incurred after Dec. 5 will be protected by the provisions.
Rodd McLeod, a spokesperson for Healthcare Rising — a group supporting the measure — told the outlet that opponents "need to give it a rest and accept the will of the people."
An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16, according to the report.