Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Consumer Protection and Business.
- Kratom Regulation (2026) House page, Ruth Luna, asks members of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee about how the committee goes about regulating new substances like kratom.
- Regulating New Industries (2026) Senate page Caroline Bernatek questions members of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee about how they make decisions about regulations on new types of businesses.
- Teen Nicotine Use (2026) Senate Page, Ellie Klesert asks members of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee about how they regulate teen nicotine use, and how this regulation differs from regulations for adults.
Essential Questions:
- How does the legislature decide what businesses to regulate?
- To what extent does the legislature regulate businesses differently based upon the age of the consumer?
House Consumer Protection and Business Committee
House Consumer Protection and Business Committee considers issues related to:
- Consumer protection and consumer education issues
- Licensing and regulation of businesses
- Regulation of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and vapor products as well as product safety and access
- Activities of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner
- Solvency of insurance companies
- Rates and practices of insurance companies
- Financial services issues, including the safety and soundness of state banks and credit unions
- Regulation of consumer credit and lending,
- Regulation of securities and investments.
Teacher Guide