An Arizona lawmaker has introduced legislation that would prohibit the use of fluoride in public drinking water across the state.
State Sen. Janae Shamp, R-Surprise, introduced Senate Bill 1019, which would bar state agencies and local governments from adding fluoride or fluoride-containing compounds to Arizona’s public water systems.
The Senate Committee on Government recently advanced SB 1019 to the floor, clearing the way for a full Senate vote.
Shamp, a registered nurse, said the proposal is intended to challenge what she views as government overreach in public health policy.
“Healthcare freedom should not be partisan, and Arizonans should have the right to make informed choices about what they consume,” Shamp said in emailed comments to The Center Square. “Currently residents are required to ingest fluoride in public water, which undermines informed consent.”
She argued that because fluoride is already present in toothpaste and other products, the government should not add it to drinking water.
“The government should not medicate water,” Shamp said.
The senator also said the state must be cautious when it comes to children’s health.
“Fluoridating public water is effectively forced medication without individual or informed consent,” she said.
Shamp added that the health care system should place greater emphasis on prevention and personal choice.
“In America, health care has become sick care,” she said. “We need to prioritize statewide health and individual choice.”
She also said Arizona should follow updated scientific research.
“As science advances, we must stay current with evidence-based practices,” Shamp said. “The evidence shows that current methods are ineffective at reducing tooth decay among our public health population.”
Shamp cited findings from the National Toxicology Program, which reported that fluoride levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter in drinking water may reduce children’s IQ.
She also warned that excessive fluoride exposure can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition linked to tooth discoloration.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental fluorosis occurs when too much fluoride is consumed during childhood.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that about 41% of children ages 12 to 15 and 36% of teenagers ages 16 to 19 exhibit signs of dental fluorosis.
Shamp said fluorosis has also been associated with weakened bones, higher fracture risk, arthritis, and thyroid dysfunction, though she acknowledged these effects are more common at higher exposure levels.
As SB 1019 moves forward, Shamp said she expects resistance from public health agencies and local governments.
If the bill becomes law, enforcement would fall to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Shamp said the goal would be compliance rather than punishment.
“It would be intended to ensure compliance, not to punish local providers,” she said.
If Arizona adopts the measure, it would join Florida and Utah as the only states that prohibit fluoridation in public water systems.
Shamp said she anticipates that Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs would likely veto the bill if it reaches her desk.
“I believe it’s important to force this conversation and put lawmakers on record,” Shamp said.
She added that the state should focus on medical liberty and protecting public health.
“Arizona needs to embrace medical freedom and ensure that our drinking water remains free of unnecessary chemicals,” she said.
