Bill > HB1605

This bill proposes to prohibit the intentional addition of fluoride to public water supplies in North Dakota, with specific definitions and penalties. The bill defines "fluoride" as chemical compounds containing the fluoride ion, including sodium fluoride and hydrofluoric acid, and defines "public water supply" as water systems serving at least 15 connections or 25 people for 60 days annually. Under the proposed legislation, no person may deliberately add fluoride to public water systems for the purpose of fluoridation, regardless of the concentration. The bill includes exemptions for naturally occurring fluoride in water sources and fluoride use in industrial or manufacturing processes unrelated to water treatment. Violations would result in a $500 fine for the first offense and a $1,000 fine for subsequent violations, with enforcement to be managed by the department of environmental quality. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and would effectively end the practice of water fluoridation in the state, which is currently used in many communities to help prevent tooth decay.

Government Affairs

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1605.html