MIAMI (AP) — A Florida House panel approved a measure Thursday to offer health insurance to the 8,737 of the state's part-time employees and their family members instead of paying a hefty fine under the federal health overhaul.

The panel could have decided to cap part-time employees to working 30 hours per week or chosen not to provide any health coverage, which would result in a $318 million fine under the Affordable Care Act.

Republican Rep. Carlos Trujillo said during a hearing in Tallahassee that capping state employees' hours would save the state $55 million the first year.

"But we're making a policy decisions that it's important to offer insurance to those that are working less than 30 hours," he said.

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