The bill, titled H.B. No. 1474, aims to prohibit the retail sale and provision of certain over-the-counter weight loss drugs and dietary supplements to individuals under 18 years of age in Texas. It introduces a new Chapter 446 to the Health and Safety Code, which defines key terms such as "dietary supplement," "over-the-counter weight loss drug," and "retailer." The bill outlines specific responsibilities for retailers, including ensuring that these products are not directly accessible to customers and requiring identification from individuals attempting to purchase these items if their age cannot be reasonably determined.
Additionally, the bill establishes civil penalties for violations, allowing the attorney general to impose fines of up to $500 per violation and to seek injunctions against non-compliant individuals. It also provides an affirmative defense for retailers if they can demonstrate that a minor presented valid identification that passed age verification. The bill will not take effect until September 1, 2025, and compliance with its provisions will not be required until December 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()