The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6185, aims to address the consumption of energy drinks by children by establishing a working group to study the associated medical risks and the potential effects of prohibiting the sale of these drinks to minors. The bill defines "energy drink" as a soft drink containing at least eighty milligrams of caffeine per nine fluid ounces, along with other specified ingredients. The working group will consist of various stakeholders, including health experts, parents, and representatives from relevant organizations, and is tasked with making recommendations for a public awareness campaign, signage at points of sale, and a one-page document detailing the risks of energy drink consumption.
Additionally, the bill mandates that by December 1, 2025, the Department of Consumer Protection will develop signage to inform consumers about the medical risks of energy drinks for children, which must be posted by retailers starting January 1, 2026. The bill includes new legal language to establish these requirements and does not propose any deletions from existing law. The working group is required to submit a report on its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2025.