Enacts GS 115C-407.1, containing three definitions hemp product, nicotine product, and vapor product. Enlarges the scope of the required school policy prohibiting tobacco on school grounds under GS 115C-407 to prohibit nicotine, hemp, and vapor products. Changes the entity responsible for adopting such written policies from the local boards of education to the governing bodies of public school units. Removes duties to implement and enforce such policies. Removes outdated language. Changes the entity charged with working with governing bodies of public school units in implementing such policies from the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Requires the student prevention resources to be age-appropriate and evidence-based. Directs resources to be provided at the beginning of the school year and to be available throughout the school year. Requires any prevention materials to be approved by DHHS using the statutorily prescribed criteria before they are made available to students. Makes conforming changes.
Enacts GS 115C-391.5 requiring the Code of Student Conduct developed by the governing body of the public school unit to include a policy that if any student under the age of 21 is found in possession of a nicotine, hemp, or vapor product, the product will be confiscated. Provides for 24-hour notice to a student’s parent or legal guardian upon confiscation. Provides for prevention materials to be provided and either a student meeting or student participation in an evidence-based, self-paced nicotine, hemp, and vapor product use education program. For a second offense, requires the same education measures to be taken as a first offense, but also requires that the school take disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and school discipline policies. For a third or subsequent offense, requires the same educational measures be taken as a first or second offense, but allows educational community service to be an additional option. Requires the State Board to report on violations of new GS 115C-391.5 as described in GS 115C-12. Requires DHHS to publish on its website nicotine, hemp, and vapor product awareness information, including the various types of products containing nicotine or hemp and the health issues associated with nicotine, hemp, and vapor products along with a list of evidence-based resources for use by public schools by no later than September 15, 2025.
Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

Statutes affected:
Filed: 115C-407, 115C-12
Edition 1: 115C-407, 115C-12