SB613

Senate Bill 613 establishes a formal legal process for Arkansas residents served by a public water system to petition for an election regarding the fluoridation of their water supply. The bill mandates that a petition must be signed by at least 38% of the registered voters served by the specific public water system in question. It outlines strict requirements for the petition process, including the role of 'canvassers' and 'paid canvassers,' signature verification protocols by county clerks, and the use of accurate boundary maps. The legislation imposes criminal penalties for fraudulent actions, such as forgery or paying for signatures, and requires sponsors to maintain detailed records for paid canvassers. It provides clear guidelines for the petition format and the duties of election officials in managing these requests. Ultimately, the bill empowers local registered voters to influence public health policies related to water treatment through a direct democratic process.