SB4
To Amend The Law Concerning Public Water Systems; And To Allow Voters To Elect "for" Or "against" Water Fluoridation.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 4 seeks to amend Arkansas law to grant voters within a public water system the authority to decide whether the system should fluoridate the water. The bill defines a 'public water system' as any facility serving at least 5,000 people. An election can be initiated through a petition signed by 10% of qualified electors, or via a majority vote by the system's board of directors, the city council of a served city, or the quorum court of a served county. Once initiated, the measure will be placed on the ballot during the next general election. If a majority of voters choose against fluoridation, the system must cease adding fluoride within 30 days of the election's certification. Future elections on the matter are restricted to once every four years. The bill also amends existing law to ensure that the current state-mandated fluoridation program is secondary to the results of these local elections.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include citizens and advocacy groups who oppose water fluoridation on principle or health grounds, as this bill provides them with a direct democratic mechanism to influence local utility policies. Additionally, public water systems or municipalities that wish to reduce operational costs associated with purchasing and administering fluoride additives may benefit if their local electorate votes to cease the practice.
Who Might Suffer?
Public health organizations and dental professionals who advocate for community water fluoridation as a preventative measure against tooth decay would be negatively impacted by this bill. If local electorates vote to end fluoridation, these professionals argue that populations—particularly children and lower-income families who may have limited access to alternative dental care—could face a higher risk of dental health issues. Public water systems may also face administrative and logistical burdens in managing the petition and election processes required by the bill.
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