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Bill > HB1585


VA HB1585

Weight loss and muscle building products, certain; selling or distributing to minors prohibited.


summary

Introduced
01/01/2025
In Committee
01/01/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/22/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Sale of certain weight loss and muscle building products to minors prohibited. Prohibits any person from selling or distributing an over-the-counter diet pill or dietary supplement for weight loss or muscle building to a person who is younger than 18 years of age and requires that the purchaser demonstrate, by producing a driver's license or similar photo identification issued by a government agency, that he is at least 18 years of age. For mail or Internet sales, the bill requires that the person offering an over-the-counter diet pill or dietary supplement for weight loss or muscle building (i) prior to the sale verifies that the purchaser is at least 18 years of age through a commercially available database that is regularly used by businesses or governmental entities for the purpose of age and identity verification and (ii) uses a method of mailing, shipping, or delivery that requires the signature of a person at least 18 years of age before the products will be released to the purchaser. The bill also requires that over-the-counter diet pills or dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building will only be displayed for sale behind a store counter that is not accessible to consumers or in a locked case that requires assistance from a store employee for customer access. A violation of the bill's provisions is punishable by a civil penalty in the amount of $500 for a first violation and $2,500 for a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building to individuals under 18 years old in Virginia. The legislation defines these products broadly, considering factors such as ingredients (like steroids or green tea extract), marketing language, and product placement that suggests weight loss or muscle building purposes. Sellers must verify a buyer's age by checking a government-issued photo ID for in-person sales, and for online or mail-order sales, they must use age verification databases and require an adult signature upon delivery. Retailers must also display these products behind a counter or in a locked case inaccessible to consumers without employee assistance. Violations will result in civil penalties of $500 for a first offense and $2,500 for subsequent offenses within three years, with penalties assessed against the retail establishment if an employee is responsible. The bill specifically clarifies that it does not create a private right to sue, and enforcement can be initiated by local attorneys for the Commonwealth or law enforcement officers.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Left in Health and Human Services (on 02/05/2025)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1585
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1585) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1016701.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1585/text/HB1585
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