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Bill

SB 613

TO CREATE AN ELECTION PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE FLUORIDATION OF A PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Duffield and 3 co-sponsors

SB 613 requires Arkansas water systems to hold public elections before implementing fluoridation, shifting public health decisions from experts to voter approval.

Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 613

Legislative bill overview

SB 613 would require Arkansas public water systems to hold a public election or referendum before implementing or continuing water fluoridation programs. The bill establishes a procedure for communities to directly vote on whether their municipal water supplies should be fluoridated, giving residents decision-making power over this public health practice.

Why is this important

Water fluoridation is a longstanding public health measure credited with reducing tooth decay, but it remains controversial regarding personal choice, government authority, and health concerns. This bill reflects ongoing tensions between centralized public health decisions and local democratic control, potentially affecting how communities manage water treatment policies and public health initiatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health authority vs. direct democracy: Public health officials typically base fluoridation decisions on scientific evidence showing cavity reduction benefits; requiring elections may override expert recommendations or create inconsistent public health outcomes across regions
  • Cost and implementation complexity: Holding elections before water treatment decisions could delay infrastructure changes, increase administrative costs, and create practical challenges for emergency water quality decisions
  • Precedent concerns: Applying electoral procedures to specific public health interventions could invite similar ballot measures for other medical/health policies (vaccinations, medications in water systems), potentially undermining other evidence-based public health measures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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