Bill extends fluoridation opt-out

Senators passed a bill March 4 that eliminates a deadline for cities and villages to opt out of Nebraska’s mandatory drinking water fluoridation provisions.

Under a bill passed by the 2008 Legislature, cities or villages with a population of at least 1,000 were required to add fluoride to their drinking water supply unless voters approved local opt-out ordinances by June 1, 2010. The fluoridation requirement does not apply to municipalities with a population under 1,000.

LB36, sponsored by Scottsbluff Sen. John Harms, extends the opt-out deadline for cities and villages that reach the population threshold for mandatory fluoridation after June 1, 2010.

The bill passed on a 41-0 vote.