Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify existing laws regarding the fluoridation of public water supplies in Minnesota. These changes seek to clarify the responsibilities and limitations of those managing municipal water supplies concerning the addition of fluoride.

Main Provisions

• Local Jurisdiction Over Fluoridation: The decision to fluoridate municipal water supplies is granted to the local entity (person, firm, corporation, or municipality) that manages the water supply. They can decide whether to add fluoride and control the amount, as long as it's within the limits set by the state health commissioner.
• Naturally Occurring Fluoride: Water supplies with naturally occurring fluoride levels that meet the state's health standards must not add more fluoride.
• Regulations and Enforcement: The state's health commissioner is tasked with creating rules regarding the fluoridation process. This includes setting parameters for fluoride content, methods for controlling and testing fluoride levels, and record-keeping requirements.
• State's Role in Enforcement: The health commissioner is responsible for enforcing the fluoridation rules for water supplies that choose to add fluoride. The state cannot mandate the fluoridation of water supplies where natural fluoride levels already comply with health standards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill removes any obligation for municipal water supplies to add fluoride if the naturally occurring levels conform to health standards.
• It prohibits the state health commissioner from requiring additional fluoridation in cases where water supplies naturally meet the prescribed fluoride levels.

Relevant Terms

• Public health
• Tooth decay prevention
• Fluoridation
• Municipal water supply
• Fluoride content
• Health commissioner
• Naturally occurring fluoride