Bill would extend fluoridation opt-out

Senators advanced a bill from general file Feb. 14 that would eliminate 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, would extend the opt-out deadline for cities and villages that reach the population threshold for mandatory fluoridation after June 1, 2010.
“These citizens should have, deserve to have, the same privilege and opportunity,” he said.

Under the bill, a city or village that reaches a population of 1,000 or more after June 1, 2010, could place a proposal on the next statewide general election ballot to prohibit the addition of fluoride to the water supply.

LB36 advanced to select file on a 33-3 vote.