House Sends Water Fluoridation Bill to Senate

Rep. Mark Hart (District 78)
For years, we have had conversations around water fluoridation. They have often been framed like an all or nothing approach, with a statewide mandate or rejecting public health altogether. That false sentiment ignores one of the basic principles that Kentuckians understand well: our local communities are best equipped to make decisions that affect their own residents. 

That’s why I sponsored HB 103, a measure that passed the House of Representatives this week. The bill would restore principles of local control by clarifying participation in water fluoridation programs is an optional decision to be made by the governing body of each individual water system. The bill would not ban fluoridation, nor does it require any community to abandon an existing program. Instead, it would ensure that these decisions remain where they belong, at the local level.

Our cities, small towns, and rural communities differ in population size, infrastructure, resources, and priorities. What makes sense for one water system may not be the best choice for another. HB 103 would recognize that by allowing local leaders, those closest to the people they serve, to weigh the benefits, costs, and preferences of their communities.

Under HB 103, existing fluoridation programs may continue unless and until a local governing body votes to change participation. It would also provide legal clarity and liability protections for water system officials who act in good faith when making or implementing these decisions, ensuring they can do their jobs without fear of unnecessary legal exposure.

At its core, this bill is about trust in local officials to gather information, listen to local resident feedback, consult health professionals, and make thoughtful decisions based on their circumstances. This is not a one-size-fits-all mandate from Frankfort. It is the best solution for every community across the Commonwealth.

HB 103 would not dismiss public health considerations. Communities that value fluoridation and believe it serves their residents well are free to continue those programs. Communities that wish to revisit the issue, whether because of cost concerns, infrastructure limitations, or differing opinions, would be given the clear authority to do so through their local governing bodies. That process would encourage transparency, accountability, and public engagement.

Local control is not a foreign concept in Kentucky; it is a long-standing value. From our school board to our fiscal court to city council, Kentuckians expect their local leaders to make decisions that reflect community needs. Water systems should not differ from that. HB 103 would simply align fluoridation policy with the broader framework of local governance that already exists throughout the Commonwealth.

The House’s passage of HB 103 sends a clear message: Kentucky can respect public health expertise while also respecting local decision-making. These values do not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, empowering communities often leads to better outcomes because policies are shaped by the people most affected by them.

As the bill now moves to the Senate, lawmakers have an opportunity to continue that conversation. HB 103 is not about forcing change; it is about allowing choice. It is about acknowledging that Kentucky’s strength lies in its communities and in the leaders who know them best.