HB224 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kyle South
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Public water systems, notification to State Health Officer required when changes made to fluoride levels
Summary: HB 224 would require Alabama public water systems to notify the State Health Officer at least 90 days before making any permanent changes to fluoride levels in drinking water.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the bill requires written notice to the State Health Officer before changing fluoridation status, including the proposed date, reasons, and communities affected. If a system fails to notify, it must resume fluoridation at the previous level until proper notice is provided. Temporary disruptions caused by equipment problems, maintenance, shortages, or similar unavoidable circumstances are not subject to the notice requirement. It also defines permanent changes to include stopping fluoridation or reducing fluoride from the CDC's optimal level, and sets an effective date for the act after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Public water systems that fluoridate drinking water: must file 90-day advance written notice and provide details about the change and communities affected.
State Health Officer and the State Health Department: receive and oversee notifications and ensure compliance with the new requirement.

Key Provisions
Public water systems must provide written notice to the State Health Officer at least 90 days before initiating any permanent change to fluoridation status, including date, reasons, and affected communities.
If a system fails to provide proper notice, it must resume fluoridation at the previous level until the notice is provided.
Temporary discontinuations due to equipment failure, maintenance, shortages, or other unavoidable circumstances are exempt from the notification requirement.
Permanent changes include discontinuation of fluoridation or lowering fluoride from the CDC-defined optimal level.
The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and signed into law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Water and Sewer Systems