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Committee advances HB81 to end mandatory water fluoridation and authorize pharmacy prescriptions; public testimony sharply divided
Summary
The committee approved a substitute to HB81 and then advanced the bill 10—3. The legislation would prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water systems and allow pharmacists to authorize fluoride supplements; testimony produced dozens of public speakers and conflicting statements from health-professional groups.
Representative Gratius, sponsor of HB81, told the committee the bill would prohibit adding fluoride to public drinking-water systems and "allow pharmacists to prescribe" fluoride supplements so individuals who want fluoride can still obtain it. "So anyone who wants it can still get it," she said during her opening presentation.
The bill drew the largest public turnout of the hearing: Salt Lake and Davis County officials, municipal leaders, dentists, physicians, water-district managers, industry groups and dozens of citizens gave testimony for and against the measure. Supporters argued the act restores medical choice and reduces occupational and public-safety risks tied to handling fluoridation chemical compounds; many speakers called fluoride a medication that should not be mass-administered via drinking water.
Mayor DJ Bata of Brigham…
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