Students and educators from 14 counties gathered Wednesday at the North Carolina General Assembly, urging lawmakers to pass House Bill 430, also known as Solly's Law. The bill would raise the minimum age to buy vapes from 18 to 21.
Advocates say nicotine use continues to be a major issue among teenagers, especially as many vaping products are marketed with fruity flavors that resemble candy.
According to the NC Tobacco 21 Coalition, North Carolina is one of just six states that has not raised the legal age for purchasing vaping products to 21. The group says 95% of tobacco addiction begins before the age of 21.
House Bill 430 is named after Solomon Wynn, a New Hanover County high school student who died in 2023 from complications related to vaping.
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Educators and students say vaping remains a daily challenge in schools across the state.
"Our students matter. Their brains matter," said Halifax County Schools Superintendent Eric Cunningham. "When we take the vape pens, we see aggression. We need immediate action now."
Durham high school student Gabriel Anderson said the issue often comes down to illegal sales to minors.
"The issue is vendors -- people who are selling to young teens," Anderson said. "Some are upholding the law. The solution is to cut the age gap and bring it to 21."
Following Wednesday's hearing, teen advocates met with lawmakers and said they plan to continue pushing for stronger protections to limit youth access to vaping products.
ABC11's Bianca Holman contributed to this report.