Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2774

Introduced
3/4/26  

Caption

Prohibits the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and muscle-building supplements to minors in Rhode Island and require age verification, restricted access, and civil penalties for violations.

Impact

The bill aims to alter existing state laws regarding the sale of dietary supplements, aligning them with the protective measures for minors. By restricting access, it addresses potential health risks posed by these products. Proponents of the bill argue that this would create safer environments for children and adolescents, reducing their exposure to potentially harmful substances commonly found in these types of supplements. The bill is seen as a preventive measure against early addiction to harmful dieting practices and supplements.

Summary

Bill S2774 seeks to address health concerns related to minors by prohibiting the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and muscle-building supplements to individuals under eighteen years of age in Rhode Island. This legislation emphasizes the need for businesses, including retail establishments and online sellers, to implement age verification mechanisms when selling such products. Violators of this law could face civil penalties and injunctive actions by the Attorney General, thereby positioning public health interests at the forefront of the bill's objectives.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding S2774 may include concerns from retailers about the feasibility and cost of implementing strict age verification processes. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the balance between consumer choice and necessary regulations to protect vulnerable populations. The enforcement of penalties raises questions about the extent of government involvement in personal health choices and the responsibilities of sellers to ensure compliance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5493

Establishes a program for the energy and water benchmarking of large buildings in Rhode Island and a standard for their energy performance.

RI S0025

Prohibits a person to sell, offer for sale, display for sale or otherwise distribute a farmed animal fur product within the state and provides graduated civil penalties for violations.

RI H5447

Prohibits a person to sell, offer for sale, display for sale or otherwise distribute a farmed animal fur product within the state and provides graduated civil penalties for violations.

RI H5374

Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

RI S0275

Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

RI S0094

Exempts from the sales and use tax, the sale of beer and malt beverages at retail.

RI H5286

Exempts from the sales and use tax, the sale of beer and malt beverages at retail.

RI S1108

Prohibits applications for a comprehensive permit under the Rhode Island comprehensive planning and land use regulation act in any watershed overlay protection district located in the town of Tiverton.

RI H6213

Prohibits applications for a comprehensive permit under the Rhode Island comprehensive planning and land use regulation act in any watershed overlay protection district located in the town of Tiverton.

RI H5740

Permits the division of unclaimed property within the office of the general treasurer to accept miscellaneous intangible property belonging to Rhode Island residents.

Similar Bills

CA AB2030

Dietary supplements for weight loss and over-the-counter diet pills.

HI SB2284

Relating To Health.

MA H2530

Protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements

MA H2440

Protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements

MA S1620

Protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements

HI SB2106

Relating To Health.

HI HB2380

Relating To Health.

TX HB1474

Relating to the prohibited retail sale and provision to minors of certain over-the-counter weight loss drugs and dietary supplements; providing a civil penalty.