Committee rejects bill to ban water fluoridation after contested hearing

Sen. Hensley presented legislation to prohibit adding fluoride to public drinking water, framing the measure as a restoration of individual informed consent and pointing to a recent federal court decision he said raised concerns about neurodevelopmental risk.

Hensley summarized research he said suggests an association between fluoridated water at the recommended 0.7 mg/L and reduced IQ in children, and argued topical fluoride treatments—dentist-applied toothpaste and varnish—provide the preventive benefit without mass ingestion. “We’re asking citizens to ingest a substance for a benefit that can be achieved more effectively with a $3 tube of toothpaste,” he said.

Committee members debated the merits and trade-offs. Several members defended local control of fluoridation decisions and noted many communities have differing preferences. Senator Wally cited municipalities in his district that have chosen both for and against fluoridation. Senator Boling asked how the bill would affect children’s health outcomes and whether harm could result if communities stopped fluoridation without other preventive programs.

After discussion the committee voted; the clerk announced the bill failed to advance on a 4–5 vote. The transcript records robust assertions from the sponsor about risks and from opponents about local decision-making; no consensus emerged in committee.