NC bills introduced to protect children from effects of vaping
On Wednesday, state Rep. Donnie Loftis introduced two corresponding bills – House Bill 430 and Senate Bill 318.
Both are called 'Solly's Law.' The bill is named after Solomon 'Solly' Wynn.
His stepmother, Charlene Zorn, spoke at a press conference highlighting what supporters say is the need for more regulation of vaping.
She said her stepson was a healthy 15-year-old boy with no major health problems, but once he started vaping, he developed breathing issues.
Wynn died from severe hypoxia in 2023.
'Vapes and other nicotine products should not be available to underage kids,' Zorn said. 'We need enforcement. We need the legal age to purchase vapes and nicotine products to be at least 21 in North Carolina. We need to continue to educate our youth, our parents, our educators and the general public of the dangers of vape and nicotine products.'
The North Carolina Alliance for Health says 95% of vaping and tobacco use begins before age 21, and North Carolina is currently one of seven states that has not raised the age for tobacco products.
The group also says North Carolina is one of nine states that does not have a tobacco product licensing or permitting system, but believes there are about 1,200 to 1,500 tobacco retailers and 5,000 to 7,000 vape shops in the state.
They say permitting or licensing the sale of vape and tobacco products allows the state to know where tobacco products are being sold, improves merchant education efforts and allows the state to inspect responsible retail practices.
Rep. Loftis says if the bill were to pass, the permitting system would look similar to the process for beer, wine and lottery tickets. It would also be administered by the ABC Commission.
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