HB 298 -- THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF WEIGHT LOSS PILLS TO
MINORS

SPONSOR:  Williams (121)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Public
Health by a vote of 8 to 4.

This bill makes it unlawful for any person to sell or distribute
over-the-counter weight loss pills to a person less than 18
years of age.  The bill specifies the number of violations and
the related amount of fines for persons who violate its
provisions.  The bill also requires a retail store owner to
prominently and conspicuously display a sign, as authorized by
the bill, stating the sale of weight loss pills to persons under
18 years of age is prohibited.  The bill contains definitions of
terms, proof of age requirements, and provisions concerning
violations by retail establishments and employees who sell or
distribute weight loss pills to minors.  Persons under the age
of 18 years are not prohibited from purchasing over-the-counter
medication for purposes other than weight loss.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill would institute
protective measures by requiring owners of retail stores to
display a sign prohibiting the sale of weight loss pills to
persons under 18 years of age.  The bill also requires store
owners and employees who sell weight loss pills or persons who
distribute weight loss pill samples to request proof of age from
a prospective buyer or recipient if it is determined that the
buyer might be under 18 years of age.  This bill does not
prohibit persons under 18 years of age from purchasing other
over-the-counter products which include medications for the
relief of allergies, colds, and coughs.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Williams (121);
Missouri Parent-Teacher Association; Jessica Jackson; Kathy
Jackson; and Missouri Association of Community Task Forces.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the requirement
which allows store owners, employees, and other persons selling
or distributing weight loss pills to request proof of age from
persons who appear under 18 years of age could result in the
weight loss pills no longer being sold.

Testifying against the bill were the Non-Prescriptive Drug
Manufacturers Association of Washington, D.C.; Missouri
Retailers Association; and Missouri Grocers Association.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

HB 298 -- The Sale and Distribution of Weight Loss Pills to
Minors

Sponsor:  Williams (121)

This bill makes it unlawful for any person to sell or distribute
over-the-counter weight loss pills to a person less than 18
years of age.  The bill specifies the number of violations and
the related amount of fines for persons who violate its
provisions.  The bill also requires a retail store owner to
prominently and conspicuously display a sign, as authorized by
the bill, stating the sale of weight loss pills to persons under
18 years of age is prohibited.  The bill contains definitions of
terms, proof of age requirements, and provisions concerning
violations by retail establishments and employees who sell or
distribute weight loss pills to minors.  Persons under the age
of 18 years are not prohibited from purchasing over-the-counter
medication for purposes other than weight loss.