General Assembly votes in favor of legislation to curb underage smoking and vaping

NEW JERSEY — The General Assembly on Thursday advanced two bills that seek to address the increasing use of tobacco and vaping products, particularly among young people. The legislation would ban the delivery of electronic smoking devices to individuals under 21, and create guidelines for schools to create public awareness campaigns about the dangers of smoking and vaping.

“It’s well documented that smoking and vaping can cause devastating and irrevocable damage; we have a responsibility to keep harmful nicotine products away from our youth,” said Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Burlington), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee. “The passage of these crucial bills marks an important milestone in our efforts to protect our children and will play a significant role in putting an end to underage use of tobacco and vaping products once and for all.”

Bill A2029, sponsored by Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, Assemblyman Conaway and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, would direct the New Jersey Departments of Education (NJDOE) and Health (NJDOH) to develop and distribute guidelines for school districts and institutions of higher education on how to implement anti-vaping campaigns on their campuses.

The campaigns would be multi-tiered, offering decision-making tools and age-specific marketing materials, with information about the effects of vaping on physical and mental health, pregnancy, workplace environments, and exposure to young children.

“Children and young adults are frequently influenced by peer trends, and while some like the latest TikTok dance may be harmless, others, such as smoking, can lead to significant and lasting consequences,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Esssex). “By closing loopholes that allow access to harmful substances and empowering schools to educate students on resisting peer pressure, this legislation helps reduce youth smoking and vaping, keeping our communities healthier and safer.”

“A study by the University of North Carolina found that ‘Real Cost’ prevention ads decreased youth susceptibility to vaping and smoking cigarettes,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Hunterdon). “This bill would translate that research into practice by providing schools with guidelines to help facilitate the implementation of on-campus anti-vaping campaigns tailored for adolescents and young adults.”

Bill A1813, sponsored by Assemblymen Conaway and Clinton Calabrese and Assemblywoman Speight, would make it illegal to deliver electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to anyone under 21, requiring a signature from someone 21 or older at the residence upon delivery.

A person violating the provisions would face the same penalties as those selling tobacco or vaping products to minors, with an exception for U.S. Postal Service workers doing their jobs. To ensure clarity, packages containing tobacco or vaping products would be required to clearly indicate their contents.

“Ensuring that electronic smoking devices and tobacco products stay out of the hands of young people is critical in protecting them from a lifelong addiction,” said Assemblyman Calabrese (D-Bergen, Passaic). “Our responsibility as legislators is to prioritize the health of the next generation and this bill will help us do just that.”