HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2750

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                      Local Government

Title:  An act relating to fluoridation by public utility districts.

Brief Description:  Allowing a public utility district to fluoridate its water supply system.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Haugen, Ferguson and Brekke.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Local Government, February 6, 1992, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives Haugen, Chair; Cooper, Vice Chair; Ferguson, Ranking Minority Member; Mitchell, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bray; Franklin; Horn; Nealey; Nelson; Rayburn; Roland; Wood; and Wynne.

Minority Report: Do not pass.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Edmondson.

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786-7127).

Background:

Public utility districts (PUD's) are permitted to provide potable water.  The statutes are silent as to whether a PUD may fluoridate its water supply system.

The commissioners of a water district may cause the district's water system to be fluoridated on their own action, or may cause a ballot proposition to be submitted to the electors of the district authorizing the fluoridation of the district's water system.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The commissioners of a public utility district may cause the district's water system to be fluoridated on their own action, or may cause a ballot proposition to be submitted to the electors of the district authorizing the fluoridation of the district's water system.  In addition, PUD commissioners may mail ballots to the users of their water system or systems to vote on authorizing the fluoridation of the water system or systems.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The mailed ballot provisions were added.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Fluoridation prevents cavities.  Fluoridation has no adverse health effects.

Testimony Against:  Fluoride does not prevent cavities.  Fluoridation is a poison.

Witnesses:  (Pro): Rick Wickman, Dental Association; Max McMullen, Department of Health; Dave Arbaugh, Washington PUD Association; Joe Daniels, Washington State Association of Water/Wastewater Districts; Jeff Larsen, Washington State Dental Hygienist Association; Jeff Parrish, Washington State Dental Association; and Ken Rosenberg, Tri-County Association.

(Con):  Janet Nagel, H20 Health Options in Bellingham; and Anne Anderson, private citizen.