Utah has become the first state to ban adding fluoride to drinking water, a move signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox that shifts control from local governments to individuals. While proponents frame the decision as a matter of personal choice, public health experts warn that removing fluoride could lead to a rise in tooth decay, especially in vulnerable communities. Dentists and public health officials remain concerned that voluntary fluoride supplements may not effectively replace the broad benefits once provided by fluoridated water.
In North Dakota, this concept was also in the legislature, but the bill didn’t go as far. HB 1605 failed in the house by a relatively close 40-53 vote.
HB 1605
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 61-28.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the prohibition on water fluoridation; to provide a penalty; and to provide an effective date.
House Sponsors: Heilman (R, District 7), D. Johnston (R, District 24), Toman (R, District 34), VanWinkle (R, District 3),
Senate Sponsors: Magrum (R, District 8), Paulson (R, District 3), Van Oosting (R, District 36),
