Senate Bill S8283

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8283A

SPONSOR: RYAN C
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the general city law, in relation to requiring addi-
tional notice prior to the discontinuance of drinking water fluoridation

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The purpose of this bill is to establish a public notification require-
ment for cities that seek to end water fluoridation, giving communities
time to respond to decisions that may impact public health.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 adds section 18-e to the general city law.

Section 2 establishes an effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:
              

Fluoridation of public drinking water is a cornerstone of modern preven-
tative health. Recognized by the Centers for Disease Control as one of
the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century, community
water fluoridation has been proven to reduce tooth decay by up to 25% in
children and adults, regardless of socioeconomic status or access to
dental care.

Despite its benefits, some municipalities have ceased fluoridating their
water supplies without prior public notice or clear explanation. A nota-
ble example occurred in Buffalo, NY where fluoridation was quietly
discontinued in 2015. For nearly a decade, residents remained largely
unaware that this protective measure had been suspended.

This legislation would ensure transparency by requiring any city in New
York State that fluorides its water supply to issue a formal determi-
nation and public notice at least 90 days before ending fluoridation.
The notice must include rationale for the decision and be published in
both local newspapers and on the city's website.

This bill does not mandate fluoridation. Instead, it ensures that our
New York cities are following the public health law and residents are
not only informed, but given an opportunity to weigh in when such
significant public health policy is being reconsidered.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None to the State.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act would take effect immediately.