Rep. Lambeth files bill in North Carolina House on nicotine and vapor product education

A new bill filed by State Rep. Donny Lambeth in the North Carolina House seeks to mandate schools to educate students about nicotine and vapor products and establish related disciplinary policies, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 802 on April 7 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Nicotine & Vaping Prevention in Schools.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates schools to provide evidence-based materials on the use of nicotine, hemp, and vapor products, and outlines disciplinary measures for students found in possession of these substances. Not later than August 1, 2008, public school units must implement policies prohibiting the use of such products on school properties and during school events. The Department of Health and Human Services will assist in policy implementation and ensure the availability of age-appropriate cessation resources throughout the academic year. Students under 21 found possessing these products will face confiscation, parental notification, and mandatory participation in cessation programs or educational counseling. Repeat offenses incur additional disciplinary actions, including community service. The effective date is the 2025-26 school year, with the Department required to publish relevant awareness information by September 15, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Lambeth proposed the most bills (54) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Lambeth graduated from High Point University in 1972 with a BA.

Lambeth, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2013 to represent the state’s 75th House district, replacing previous state representative Bill McGee.