Bill > SB468

This bill amends Arkansas law to allow voters in counties served by public water systems to decide whether to fluoridate their water through a local election. The bill establishes a process where residents can initiate an election by submitting a petition signed by at least 5% of voters in the county or through a majority vote of the county quorum court. The election would be held during the next general election, with a subsequent election prohibited for at least four years. The ballot would include a clear choice between "for" or "against" water fluoridation. If a majority of voters in the counties served by a public water system vote against fluoridation, the water system must cease adding fluoride within 30 days of the election results. The bill defines a public water system as a facility supplying water to 5,000 or more persons and modifies existing state law to allow water system boards to elect to prohibit fluoridation, with any voter-initiated election taking precedence over the board's decision. This legislation provides a democratic mechanism for local communities to determine their water fluoridation policy.