Senate Bill No. SLS 25RS-47 aims to amend existing laws regarding public water systems in Louisiana, specifically concerning the fluoridation of water. The bill repeals the mandatory fluoridation program previously established by the Louisiana Department of Health and introduces a requirement that any fluoridation of public water systems must be approved through a local election. This means that at least 15% of registered voters in the precincts served by the water system must sign a petition to initiate a local election, where a majority vote is needed to authorize fluoridation. Additionally, the bill clarifies that public water systems are not required to remove naturally occurring fluoride from their water.

The bill also amends R.S. 40:5.11(A) and (B) and enacts R.S. 40:5.3.1, which outlines the new prohibitions and requirements for fluoridation. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026. Notably, the bill does not require public water systems to comply with previous fluoridation mandates unless local voter approval is obtained, thereby shifting the decision-making power to local communities.

Statutes affected:
SB2 Original:
SB2 Engrossed: 40:11(A)
SB2 Reengrossed: 40:11(A)