Bill > SB2

This bill changes Louisiana's existing law regarding water fluoridation by prohibiting mandatory fluoridation of public water systems and establishing a new process for implementing fluoridation. Specifically, water systems can only fluoridate their water if a local election is held where at least 15% of registered voters in the service area petition for an election, and then a majority of voters in that election approve fluoridation. The bill removes previous requirements for water systems with over 5,000 service connections to maintain optimal fluoride levels, effectively making water fluoridation voluntary rather than mandatory. An important exception is that water systems are not required to remove naturally occurring fluoride from their water. The bill also modifies language about the purpose of fluoridation, removing references to specifically protecting dental health. The new provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving water systems and local governments time to prepare for the change in policy. The bill aims to give local communities more direct control over whether their public water systems add fluoride.