Bill > SB613

This bill creates a detailed election procedure for determining whether a public water system should fluoridate its water. The bill establishes a process where registered voters can petition for a fluoridation election if they can gather signatures from 38% of the registered voters served by the public water system. The petition must be filed with the county clerk at least 120 days before an election, which can be held during general elections in even-numbered years or special elections in odd-numbered years. The bill includes strict requirements for petition circulation, including detailed rules for paid canvassers, signature verification, and potential penalties for fraudulent petition practices. If a majority of voters elect to prohibit fluoridation, the public water system must cease adding fluoride to the water within 30 days, and no subsequent fluoridation election can be held for four years. The bill also modifies existing state law to allow for these local elections, specifying that water systems must maintain fluoride levels as established by the Department of Health unless prohibited by a local election result. The legislation aims to provide a transparent, rigorous process for communities to democratically decide on water fluoridation.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb613&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R