Committee backs working group to study energy drink consumption by children and point‑of‑sale signage

Summary

HB 5269 would establish a working group to study energy drink consumption by children and require certain point‑of‑sale signage. Supporters cited medical testimony and concerns about youth use; some members said they prefer a study group rather than immediate restrictions. The bill was moved to the floor for further consideration and votes were held open.

The committee considered HB 5269, an act to establish a working group to study energy drink consumption by children and require certain signage at point of sale.

Senator Cohen described testimony he had heard and said the bill could raise awareness of medical concerns tied to some energy drinks among teenagers. "Some of the data we've heard over the years... has been incredibly concerning with respect to these drinks that go largely unregulated on the market," he said. Several legislators said they supported studying the issue and creating a stakeholder group that would include advertising experts, pediatric cardiologists, representatives of children's hospitals, retailers, a manufacturer and parents who had seen adverse effects.

Some members said they were not convinced the bill as drafted would be the final solution; others said a working group would be a useful step to balance public‑health concerns and retail impacts. The committee approved a motion to JF to the floor so the bill can proceed to additional hearings and refinement; recorded votes were held open until the public hearing.