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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-31

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates a Tobacco Use Prevention Fund within the Department of Health and Human Services and directs $17 million annually from North Carolina's Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement funds toward youth tobacco prevention programs. The fund would support local health departments, media campaigns, military readiness initiatives, community college tobacco-free programs, and evaluation of prevention efforts.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that youth nicotine use—particularly e-cigarettes—has increased dramatically in North Carolina (1,129% between 2011-2019) and poses serious health risks, especially addiction.
• •They contend that the state already receives $140 million annually from the tobacco settlement intended for prevention, so dedicating $17 million to evidence-based programs is a cost-effective investment that can prevent thousands of youth from becoming tobacco users and reduce future healthcare costs from tobacco-related diseases.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that the state should evaluate current tobacco prevention spending before creating new funds and programs.
• •They might also contend that redirecting $17 million from the Settlement Reserve Fund could limit other uses of that money, such as increasing the $25 million annual allocation to The Golden L.E.A.F.
• •Foundation, or that the effectiveness of prevention programs should be proven before committing long-term funding.