In a pivotal Senate hearing on February 19, lawmakers discussed Senate Bill 5,622, which aims to establish age restrictions on the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and dietary supplements. This legislation is modeled after a recent New York law that prohibits the sale of such products to individuals under 18, a move prompted by rising concerns over the health risks these supplements pose to adolescents.

Senator John Lubbock, the bill's prime sponsor, emphasized the urgent need for this legislation, citing alarming statistics that show young users of these products are significantly more likely to develop eating disorders and may later resort to illicit substances. "Children are being intentionally targeted by companies that claim to promote wellness while advertising and selling dangerous and untested products," Lubbock stated, highlighting the potential dangers of unregulated supplements.

The bill outlines strict regulations, including proof of age requirements for retailers and penalties for violations. It also exempts certain products like protein powders unless they contain harmful ingredients. The Office of the Attorney General would be tasked with enforcing compliance.

Public testimony revealed strong support for the bill, particularly from youth advocates who shared personal stories about the dangers of diet pills. High school students testified about the prevalence of these products and their harmful effects, with one student noting that "1 in 10 adolescents worldwide have used unregulated weight loss pills," leading to serious health issues.

However, the bill faced opposition from industry representatives who argued that existing regulations are sufficient. They claimed that the bill's broad definitions could inadvertently restrict access to safe dietary supplements that are not intended for weight loss or muscle building. "Dietary supplements are subject to robust FDA and FTC oversight," argued Tyler Cannon from the Natural Products Association, urging the committee to reject the bill.

As the hearing concluded, the committee acknowledged the need for further discussion and potential amendments to address concerns from both supporters and opponents. The outcome of this legislation could significantly impact the availability of dietary supplements for minors and set a precedent for similar laws in other states.