A new bill filed by State Rep. Phil Rubin in the North Carolina House seeks to mandate school policies on nicotine and vapor products and provide cessation resources for students, 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.
Rubin graduated from Duke University School of Law with a JD.
Rubin, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 40th House district, replacing previous state representative Joe John.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Rubin, Donna McDowell White, Donny Lambeth, and Maria Cervania | HB 802 | 04/07/2025 | Nicotine & Vaping Prevention in Schools. |
| Phil Rubin, Cynthia Ball, Julie von Haefen, and Lindsey Prather | HB 815 | 04/07/2025 | Voucher School Accountability Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Cecil Brockman, Cynthia Ball, and Lindsey Prather | HB 816 | 04/07/2025 | Voucher School Transparency Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Abe Jones, Julia Greenfield, and Renée A. Price | HB 784 | 04/03/2025 | Prohibit Assault Weapons. |
| Phil Rubin, Allen Buansi, Bryan Cohn, and Shelly Willingham | HB 788 | 04/03/2025 | Fix Our Democracy. |
| Phil Rubin, Allison A. Dahle, Amber M. Baker, and Cynthia Ball | HB 691 | 04/02/2025 | Voter Protection and Reliance Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Eric Ager, Jordan Lopez, and Terry M. Brown Jr. | HB 711 | 04/02/2025 | Recovery Support Via Revenue Stabilization. |
| Phil Rubin, Abe Jones, Beth Helfrich, and Tracy Clark | HB 643 | 04/01/2025 | Clarify Firearm Storage Law. |
| Phil Rubin, Brian Turner, Sarah Crawford, and Vernetta Alston | HB 668 | 04/01/2025 | NC Working Families Economic Relief Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Allen Buansi, Allison A. Dahle, and Amber M. Baker | HB 580 | 03/31/2025 | SBOE Legislative Changes.-AB |
| Phil Rubin, Jordan Lopez, Marcia Morey, and Tracy Clark | HB 583 | 03/31/2025 | Law Enforcement/Destroy Certain Firearms. |
| Phil Rubin, Brandon Lofton, Cynthia Ball, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 608 | 03/31/2025 | Protect Health and Gov’t Personnel Info. |
| Phil Rubin, Jordan Lopez, Pricey Harrison, and Tracy Clark | HB 545 | 03/26/2025 | Ban Ghost Guns & Undetectable Firearms. |
| Phil Rubin, Bryan Cohn, James Roberson, and Kanika Brown | HB 548 | 03/26/2025 | NC Economic Progress and Well-Being. |
| Phil Rubin, Jordan Lopez, Pricey Harrison, and Tracy Clark | HB 350 | 03/10/2025 | Report Lost/Stolen Firearm Within 24 Hours. |
| Phil Rubin, Matthew Winslow, Mike Schietzelt, and Robert T. Reives, II | HB 360 | 03/10/2025 | Homeowner Protection Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Deb Butler, Jordan Lopez, and Mary Belk | HB 174 | 02/21/2025 | Marriage Equality Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Deb Butler, Jordan Lopez, and Mary Belk | HB 175 | 02/21/2025 | Const. Amend./Marriage Equality. |
| Phil Rubin, Abe Jones, Marcia Morey, and Tim Longest | HB 129 | 02/13/2025 | Judge Joe John Nonpartisan Jud. Elections Act. |
