Rep. Cervania files bill in North Carolina House on school nicotine and vapor product policies

A new bill filed by State Rep. Maria Cervania in the North Carolina House seeks to establish school policies on nicotine and vapor product use and support cessation resources, 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, Donny 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.

Cervania graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a BA.

Cervania, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 41st House district, replacing previous state representative Gale Adcock.