Committee approves bill giving local water authorities option to remove fluoride; debate centers on public health and costs

House Bill 16, which would return authority over community water fluoridation to local water-system governing bodies, passed the Committee on Health Services after extended testimony from medical professionals, public-health advocates, water customers and the bill sponsor.

"House Bill 16 does one thing and one thing only," Representative David Hale (substituting for Representative Mark Hart) told the committee. "This does not mandate removal. It just brings it back to a local body of control." Hale said the bill would allow local governing boards for water districts or city councils to choose whether to discontinue fluoridation.

Supporters, including dentist Dr. Jack Call and registered nurse Cindy Batson, argued for local control and raised concerns about cost and potential health effects. Dr. Call described fluoridation in broad terms as "mass medication…