Bill Summary for SB4

• Bill Number: SB4
• Primary Sponsors: Senators C. Penzo, B. King; Representatives Duffield, Pilkington
• Purpose: To allow voters to decide on water fluoridation in their local public water system.

Key Provisions:

1. Voter Elections on Water Fluoridation:

• Eligibility for Election: Customers of a public water system may hold an election to decide whether the system will fluoridate its water.
• Initiating an Election:
  • A majority vote by the water system's board of directors.
  • A petition signed by at least 10% of qualified electors in the public water system area.
  • A majority vote by the city council, board of directors, or quorum court of a county served by the water system.
• Election Rules:
  • The election will be held during the next general election.
  • No subsequent election on the same issue can be held within four years.

2. Ballot Language:

• Voters will choose between:
  • "For the fluoridation of water in [description of public water system]."
  • "Against the fluoridation of water in [description of public water system]."

3. Implementation of Results:

• If the majority votes against fluoridation, the public water system must stop fluoridating within 30 days after the election results are certified.

4. Definition of Public Water System:

• A public water system includes facilities serving 5,000 or more persons directly or indirectly.

5. Amendment to Existing Fluoridation Law:

• Modifies Arkansas Code § 20-7-136(b) to include provisions for ceasing fluoridation if voters elect to prohibit it.

Layman’s Terms Summary:

SB4 allows voters served by public water systems in Arkansas to decide through elections whether their water should be fluoridated. Elections can be initiated by the water system’s board, local government, or a petition from residents. If voters reject fluoridation, the system must stop adding fluoride within 30 days. This bill also updates existing statewide fluoridation requirements to align with local election outcomes.