KENTUCKY (WKYT) – The Kentucky General Assembly is poised to once again consider legislation concerning fluoride in water systems.
Currently, the state requires water systems to add fluoride. However, some lawmakers want to change this by giving oversight powers to local water districts to decide whether or not to add fluoride.
State Representative Mark Hart, who will sponsor the bill next year, said it is not about whether fluoride is good or bad.
“Our bill is about removing an unfunded mandate. It is not about the pros and cons or the benefits and risks of taking or using fluoride,” Hart said.
Hart introduced an almost identical bill last session and nearly nine times before. He said the future bill will only have one new clause.
“Because we are asking these water districts to undo the unfunded mandate, we have decided in the new bill simply adds an immunity clause,” Hart said.
According to Hart, the immunity clause was added after local water districts were concerned they could be sued over whether they added fluoride or not.
Hart said he is open to suggestions to make the bill better.
Some lawmakers voiced their support for the bill.
“This is a good piece of legislation that expands community-based decision-making,” said State Representative T.J. Roberts.
While some call for an outright ban on fluoride, dental advocates say science supports fluoride.
“We have 79 years of quality science showing this is effective – it’s no different than iodine in the salt,” said Dr. Steve Robertson, executive director of the Kentucky Dental Association.
Dr. Jenna Schulten, a pediatric dentist, said over exposure to anything can cause harm.
“I mean look at the number one cause of heart disease – sodium – no one is running to take that off the table,” Schulten said.
Louisville Water, a local water district that believes adding fluoride is good public policy, raised concerns about the added responsibilities.
“In essence we are rule followers not rulemakers. We are also being asked to make a decision from our board members who don’t have that expertise,” said Vince Guenthner, senior utilities consultant for Louisville Water.
Dr. Mark Kall from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology said the benefits to water fluoridation at a systemic level are dubious.
Hart said the legislation reflects personal choice in oral health treatment.
“The United States is a free country. We do not dictate any medical treatment to anybody. It’s always a choice between the patient and their doctor,” Hart said.
Original article online at: https://www.wkyt.com/2025/10/22/kentucky-lawmakers-consider-shifting-fluoride-decision-power/