Senate Bill No. SLS 26RS-116, introduced by Senator Fesi, amends R.S. 40:5.11 to modify the requirements for water fluoridation in public water systems in Louisiana. The bill allows local governments to hold elections to exempt public water systems from fluoridation requirements, provided that a majority of registered voters approve the exemption. This change broadens the scope of exemptions, allowing any public water system to opt out of fluoridation if a local election is called and a majority of voters support the decision, rather than being limited to systems that have never used fluoridation.

The bill also includes several technical amendments, such as removing the previous requirement for a petition signed by 15% of registered voters before an election can be called. It maintains the Louisiana Department of Health's role in establishing optimal levels of fluoride and requires public water systems with at least 5,000 service connections to maintain these levels unless exempted. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB4 Original:
SB4 Engrossed:
SB4 Reengrossed: