Bill > S533

This bill raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vapor products from 18 to 21 years old, including expanding the definition of vapor products to include "smart vapes" that resemble technological devices like phones and gaming systems. The bill also broadens the vapor products licensing requirement, mandating that retailers obtain licenses for all locations where they receive, store, or sell both tax-paid and non-tax-paid vapor products. Additionally, the bill significantly increases funding for gambling addiction programs, raising the annual allocation from $2 million to $12 million, which will be distributed across treatment services ($5.4 million), prevention initiatives ($4.2 million), and a statewide public awareness campaign ($2.4 million). The Department of Health and Human Services will be responsible for developing a comprehensive public awareness campaign about gambling addiction, establishing a grant program for prevention and treatment, expanding treatment services, and supporting gambling prevention initiatives in K-12 schools. The bill also requires annual reporting on the use of these funds, including details about grants awarded, programs funded, individuals served, and program effectiveness. Most provisions will become effective on December 1, 2025, or July 1, 2025, depending on the specific section.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S533