Water fluoridation has been a contested topic in the dental industry over the past few months, with some states reaffirming support while others are potentially removing fluoride from water supplies.
Here are updates on legislation concerning water fluoridation in 12 states, according to a March 27 news release from the American Dental Association.
Connecticut: Senate Bill 474 has been introduced, which would ensure water fluoridation continues at the current recommended level of 0.7 parts per million if the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drastically reduces that recommendation.
New Jersey: Senate Bill 1179, known as the New Jersey Public Water Supply Fluoridation Act, requires the state’s environmental protection and health commissioners to adopt the means by which fluoride is controlled, as well as keeping the methods of testing fluoride content and content related to fluoride.
New Hampshire: The state legislature rejected a bill that would have prohibited the addition of fluoride to public water systems.
Montana: House Bill 498 would have banned fluoridation of the state’s community water systems. The bill was introduced in February, tabled by the Human Services Committee and has not had any further action this session.
North Dakota: A bill that would have prohibited any form of fluoride to any public water supply failed by a 40-53 vote in the state House of Representatives.
Arkansas: The Arkansas Senate rejected a bill that would have removed fluoride requirements in the state. However, the bill’s author filed a separate bill that would establish countywide voting opportunities for voters to have the opportunity to prohibit fluoride.
Florida: Senate Bill 700 does not explicitly mention the removal of fluoride from the state’s public water supplies, but prohibits water operators from using any additive that is intended primarily for health-related purposes.
Kentucky: Proposed House Bill 16 would make state water fluoridation programs optional, with operators deciding whether to participate in the programs. The bill is currently dormant in the legislative process.
Louisiana: Senate Bill 2 would prohibit any public water systems in the state to be fluoridated.
Nebraska: Legislative Bill 147 would repeal the statewide fluoridation mandate and make it optional. The bill would allow both private and public water suppliers to make the decision for themselves. The bill was introduced and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.
Tennessee: Senate bill 162 would prohibit public water system operators from adding fluoride to the systems. The bill was introduced in January but has not moved out of committee.
Utah: On March 27, Utah became the first state to fully ban community water fluoridation after Gov. Spencer Cox signed House bill 81 into law.
