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HF1850 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Fluoridation of municipal water supplies provisions modified.

Related bill: SF2699

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes changes to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.145, which governs the fluoridation of public water supplies.

Key Changes:

  1. Local Control Over Fluoridation – The bill removes the mandatory fluoridation requirement for public water supplies. Instead, the decision to fluoridate will be made by the managing entity (municipality, corporation, or other responsible authority).

  2. Restriction on Fluoridation of Naturally Fluoridated Water – A public water supply that naturally contains fluoride within the parameters set by the Minnesota Commissioner of Health cannot be artificially fluoridated.

  3. Rulemaking Authority for the Commissioner of Health –

    • The Commissioner is responsible for setting parameters for fluoride content in water for systems that choose to fluoridate.
    • Rules will establish fluoride control methods, testing procedures, and record-keeping requirements.

  4. Repeal of the Fluoridation Mandate – Current laws requiring fluoridation by January 1, 1970, are repealed. Additionally, the Commissioner of Health cannot require fluoridation of public water supplies.

Impact:

  • Municipal water authorities will no longer be required to fluoridate drinking water.
  • Fluoridation will become an optional decision at the local level.
  • Public water supplies naturally meeting fluoride guidelines will not undergo additional fluoridation.

This bill shifts fluoridation policy from a state-mandated requirement to a local decision, giving municipalities greater control over their water treatment practices.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHealth Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A provision prohibiting fluoridation of water that contains naturally occurring fluoride within established parameters."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Requirement for municipal water supplies to fluoridate by a specific date."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill modifies provisions governing fluoridation of public water supplies under section 144.145.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on who has jurisdiction over the decision to fluoridate public water supplies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144.145"
  }
]

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