UPDATED: HB 96 Budget & Flouridation Legislation Status
- Oral Health Ohio
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Budget update:
The Senate has removed the provision for children’s dental services which allocated $3M in FY 2026 and $3M in FY 2027. This funding would prioritize providing mobile and portable dental services to children in Clinton, Crawford, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Monroe, Noble, Paulding, and Washington counties. These counties are designated as dental health professional shortage areas and lack a safety net dental clinic to serve the community's needs.
The Senate has reduced funding for Health Program Support (school-based health centers) from $10M in FY 2026 and $10M in FY 2027 to $7.5M in FY 2026 and $7.5M in FY 2027. Funds would support 23 new school-based health centers (SBHC) and expansion of services in 9 existing SBHCs. SBHCs are an evidence-based model that improves access to health care, including dental care, for children and adolescents.
Oral Health Ohio is in the process of contacting conferences and members of leadership to advocate for the restoration of children’s dental services and restoring health program support line items.
Other Legislation we're monitoring..
HB 272 - Would remove statewide mandates for community water fluoridation and instead defer decisions to local jurisdictions
The House General Government Committee heard sponsor testimony on HB 272 on June 10, 2025.
HB 182 – Prohibit public waters system from adding fluoride to water
To enact new section 6109.20 and to repeal section 6109.20 of the Revised Code to prohibit a public water system from adding fluoride to its water.
The House Natural Resources Committee heard sponsor testimony on HB 182 on April 30, 2025.
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