Michigan House Bill HB5830

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/25/24
• Refer: 6/25/24
• Refer: 11/7/24

Caption

Trade: consumer goods and services; sale of certain dietary supplements and diet pills to individuals under the age of 18; prohibit. Creates new act.

Impact

If enacted, HB5830 will create a legal framework for the sale of dietary supplements and diet pills in Michigan, particularly focusing on protecting minors. Retailers will face restrictions on how and to whom they can sell these products, requiring them to implement verification procedures for both physical and virtual sales. This could significantly alter how retailers operate in terms of inventory and customer interactions, as they must ensure that they are not inadvertently selling to minors. Failure to comply will lead to civil penalties, thereby introducing a level of accountability for retailers.

Summary

House Bill 5830, known as the 'Weight Loss Products and Minors Act', aims to prohibit the sale of certain dietary supplements and diet pills to individuals under the age of 18. The legislation seeks to protect minors from potential health risks associated with these products, which are often marketed to promote weight loss. The bill details definitions for 'diet pill' and 'dietary supplement' based on federal standards and establishes regulations for retailers regarding the sale of these products to minors. Additionally, it requires age verification to ensure compliance with the law.

Contention

While advocates for the bill argue that the provisions will safeguard the health of young individuals, there may be contention regarding the implications for retailers. Opponents may raise concerns about the burden of compliance, the cost of implementing verification systems, and the potential for loss of sales in an already competitive market. Furthermore, the bill raises discussions on parental rights versus governmental regulations in health-related matters for children and adolescents, emphasizing the ongoing debate surrounding youth safety and personal freedoms.