As a dental hygienist I am all too aware of the importance of fluoride to healthy gums and teeth. Last year my fluoride notification bill passed committee and almost made it to the House floor for debate. I re-filed this bill again this year, because my colleagues also recognize the importance for the public to be notified if the fluoride treatment in their public water system is to be adjusted or eliminated. House Bill 1078 passed out of committee unanimously with a couple of small adjustments via a House Committee Substitute. I have no doubt it will move quickly through the remainder of the legislative process.

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House Bill No. 1078

AN ACT

To amend chapter 640, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to public water systems, with an emergency clause.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 640, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 640.136, to read as follows:

640.136. Any public water system, as defined in section 640.102, or public water supply district, as defined in chapter 247, which intends to permanently cease fluoridation of its water supply shall notify the department of natural resources, the department of health and senior services, and their customers of its intentions at least thirty days prior to any vote on the matter. The public water system or public water supply district shall notify its customers via mail at least thirty days prior to any meeting at which said vote will occur.

Section B. Because immediate action is necessary to ensure that agencies and interested individuals are notified of proposed changes to the public water supply, section A of this act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, welfare, peace, and safety, and is hereby declared to be an emergency act within the meaning of the constitution, and section A of this act shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and approval.

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