Bill > HB498

This bill prohibits the introduction of fluoride into public water supply systems in Montana by amending two existing sections of Montana law. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision to Section 75-6-112 that explicitly makes it prohibited to introduce fluoride to a public water supply system, effectively banning the practice of water fluoridation. The bill also updates a cross-reference in Section 76-4-104 to acknowledge the new fluoride prohibition. By adding this restriction, the legislation prevents local governments, water districts, and other public water system operators from adding fluoride to drinking water, which has been a common public health practice in many communities to help prevent tooth decay. The bill does not provide specific rationale for the prohibition but appears to be part of a broader effort to restrict water fluoridation, which has been a topic of ongoing debate regarding its health effects and individual choice in public health interventions.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1978