The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5269, aims to establish a working group to study the health risks associated with energy drink consumption by children and the potential effects of prohibiting their sale to minors. The working group will be convened by the Commissioners of Public Health and Consumer Protection and will include various stakeholders, such as pediatricians, parents of affected children, and representatives from relevant organizations. The group is tasked with making recommendations for a public awareness campaign and developing signage to be displayed at points of sale, alerting consumers to the associated health risks.
Additionally, the bill mandates that by December 1, 2026, the Department of Consumer Protection must create signage that reflects the working group's recommendations and make it available online. Starting January 1, 2027, all businesses selling energy drinks must post this signage prominently at their point of sale. The bill emphasizes the importance of informing the public about the potential dangers of energy drinks for children, thereby promoting public health and safety.