Senate committee hears testimony on bill to bar sale of weight‑loss and muscle‑building supplements to minors

MADISON, Wash. — The Senate Financial Services and Trade Committee on Wednesday took public testimony on SB 5,622, legislation that would ban in‑store and online sales of over‑the‑counter diet pills and dietary supplements marketed for weight loss or muscle building to people under 18.

John Kim, staff to the committee, told senators the proposal is patterned on a 2023 New York law and would prohibit a retail offer, sale or promotional giveaway of such products within the state to someone under 18. The bill sets out proof‑of‑age requirements for retailers, allows retailers to use transaction‑scan devices under limits, and authorizes the state attorney general to enforce the law and seek injunctions and penalties; a fiscal note was requested, Kim said.

The bill’s prime sponsor, Senator John Lubbock, 40th District, told the committee the measure is intended to prevent “negative outcomes for our youth,” saying adolescents are being targeted by companies that market untested or dangerous products. "The American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly cautioned against teens using these products," Lubbock said…