Protecting public health has become more important in recent years following September 11th, and a re-emergence of novel infectious diseases such as West Nile Virus, SARS and avian flu. Rapid increases in diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles also have raised the profile of public health. This article explains how the law can be a crucial tool for improving public health infrastructure and outcomes. State public health laws, when viewed collectively, are seen as antiquated, fragmented and confusing. The authors describe the Turning Point Model State Public Health Act which offers a menu of provisions for state and local officials to assess their existing statutory and regulatory public health laws. The Act, initiated by the Turning Point Public Health Statute Modernization National Collaborative, provides opportunities to build relationships among public health practitioners, legislators and other partners. A variety of legislative activity has taken place in several states as a result of the Act. Between January 2003 and June 2005, 32 states had introduced over 75 bills or resolutions on public health subjects. Other states have used the Act to review and potentially reform their laws. Reformers of public health laws need to balance protection of the public's health with individual and communal rights and encourage collaboration between public and private sector partners.