AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1782

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1782

Introduced
3/13/25  
Refer
3/13/25  
Report Pass
3/18/25  
Engrossed
3/20/25  
Refer
3/20/25  
Report Pass
4/7/25  
Enrolled
4/10/25  
Chaptered
4/16/25  

Caption

To Prohibit Over-the-counter Diet Pills From Being Sold, Transferred, Or Otherwise Furnished To A Person Who Is Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1782 will amend existing regulations under Arkansas Code Title 20 concerning health and safety. The law will enforce restrictions on retail establishments by requiring them to request valid identification from anyone appearing to be underage who attempts to purchase diet pills. Violations of this regulation will be classified as deceptive and unfair trade practices, aligning with the state's broader consumer protection efforts. Additionally, establishments that fail to comply could face fines up to $2,000, which aims to incentivize adherence to the new law.

Summary

House Bill 1782 is designed to prohibit the sale, transfer, or provision of over-the-counter diet pills to individuals under eighteen years of age. This legislation aims to safeguard young people from potential health risks associated with unregulated weight loss products that may not be appropriate for minors. By restricting access to such products, the bill reflects a legislative effort to protect the health and well-being of youth in Arkansas, promoting responsible retail practices concerning diet-related medications.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1782 appears to be mostly positive, particularly among health advocates and legislators focusing on youth protection. Proponents believe this bill is a crucial step toward reducing the prevalence of unhealthy weight loss practices among teenagers. However, there may be dissent from some retailers who view the regulation as an unwanted burden on business operations. The varying perspectives highlight the ongoing discourse on balancing youth health initiatives with commercial freedom.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential challenges faced by retail establishments in enforcing age restrictions and the broader implications for consumer access to weight loss products. While supporters argue that the bill is essential for protecting youth from harmful substances, opponents may raise concerns about overreach and the impacts on personal responsibility. The bill's language leaves open the possibility for future regulations by the Department of Health, which could lead to further adjustments in how dietary products are marketed and sold.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1560

To Clarify The Law Regarding Reports Of Child Maltreatment With Alleged Victims Who Are Eighteen Years Of Age Or Older; To Prohibit Anonymous Reporting Of Child Maltreatment; And To Amend Penalties For Failure To Report Child Maltreatment.

AR HB1311

To Amend The Prohibition Of Nonprofit, Tax Exempt, Or Governmentally-funded Hospitals From Holding A Licensed Pharmacy Permit For The Sale Of Drugs At Retail.

AR HB1717

To Exempt Over-the-counter Drugs Prescribed By A Medical Professional From Sales And Use Tax; And To Clarify Which Medical Professionals May Prescribe Drugs That Are Exempt From Sales And Use Tax.

AR SB81

To Amend The Law Concerning Libraries And Obscene Materials; To Create The Offense Of Furnishing A Harmful Item To A Minor; And To Amend The Law Concerning Obscene Materials Loaned By A Library.

AR HB1300

To Amend The Prohibition On Nonprofit, Tax Exempt, Or Governmentally-funded Hospitals From Holding A Licensed Pharmacy Permit For The Sale At Retail Of Drugs.

AR SB197

To Prohibit Certain Restrictions On The Regulation Of Short-term Rentals; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB358

To Prohibit Industrial Hemp That Contain Certain Delta Tetrahydrocannabinol Substances; To Include Certain Tetrahydrocannabinol In The List Of Schedule Vi Controlled Substances; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB579

Concerning The Sentencing Of A Person Who Committed An Offense Before He Or She Turned Twenty-one (21) Years Of Age.

AR HB1468

To Create The Given Name Act; And To Prohibit Requiring Employees Of Public Schools And State-supported Institutions Of Higher Education To Use A Person's Preferred Pronoun, Name, Or Title Without Parental Consent.

AR HB1275

To Regulate Electronic Medical Records; And To Prohibit A Healthcare Payor That Has Electronic Access To Medical Records From Requesting Medical Records In A Different Format From A Healthcare Provider.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.