California Legislature Passes Several Healthcare Bills as Session Concludes
California's legislature concluded its August 31 session by enrolling multiple healthcare bills addressing AI in clinical care, prior authorization practices, and coverage expansion. Key legislation includes AB 1979 requiring professional judgment for AI clinical decisions, AB 1887 mandating 30-day prior authorization for rare disease drugs effective January 1, 2027, and SB 1089 expanding GLP-1 medication access through the state's CALRx purchasing program.
States Move to Ban Water Fluoridation (Utah and Florida Enacted Laws in 2025)
Following a 2024 federal court decision finding EPA's fluoride levels pose unreasonable risks to children's IQ, several states are banning water fluoridation. Utah became the first state to enact a statewide ban in March, followed by Florida in May. Additional legislation is pending in Nebraska and Louisiana. Meanwhile, over sixty communities serving 9 million people have ended fluoridation programs, despite continued support from dental and public health organizations.
Virginia and Utah Legislative Sessions Just Wrapped — Here Are the Health Policy Takeaways
Virginia and Utah wrapped up their sessions with significant healthcare legislation. Both states enrolled legislation that stands to have significant influences to the state of healthcare delivery and coverage and public health.