SF2699

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to change the rules regarding the fluoridation of public water supplies in Minnesota. It primarily addresses who has control over the decision to fluoridate water and sets guidelines for fluoride levels if water is fluoridated.

Main Provisions

• Control Over Fluoridation: The bill gives the authority to decide whether to fluoridate a municipal water supply to the entity (person, firm, corporation, or municipality) in charge of the water supply.
• Fluoride Levels: It requires that the fluoride content in water, if fluoridated, must be within the parameters established by the state commissioner of health.
• Exemption for Natural Fluoride: Public water supplies with naturally occurring fluoride at the required levels are exempt from adding more fluoride.
• Commissioner's Responsibilities: The state commissioner of health is tasked with creating rules about fluoridation. These rules must include guidelines for fluoride levels, control methods, testing procedures, and record-keeping related to water fluoridation.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill modifies the existing law by allowing local jurisdictions more discretion over the decision to fluoridate water supplies. Previously, there was a mandate for all municipal water supplies to fluoridate by January 1, 1970, unless natural fluoride levels met state rules.
• The bill removes the state commissioner's authority to mandate fluoridation for public water supplies.

Relevant Terms

• Public health
• Municipal water supply
• Fluoridation
• State commissioner of health
• Naturally occurring fluoride
• Fluoride content parameters