ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Senate has approved a bill to create the state’s health insurance exchange.

Lawmakers voted 37-28 Thursday night to approve a bill that makes major changes to the state’s health care system to conform with the federal government’s health insurance mandate. The debate stretched late into the night as Republicans failed to force changes to a bill they say is too expensive, too intrusive and lacking in accountability in how the exchange is governed.

The exchange is an online marketplace for the 300,000 uninsured Minnesota, and others, to shop for coverage plans and get assistance paying for it.

The House has already passed its exchange bill. The two bills vary and will have to be worked out in a conference committee.

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